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Abstract
A circadian rhythm is a cycle of approximately 24 h, responsible for many physiological adjustments, and ageing of the circadian clock contributes to cognitive decline. Rhythmicity is severely impaired in Alzheimer disease (AD) and few therapeutic attempts succeeded in improving sleep disorders in such context. This study evaluated sleep parameters by actigraphy in 30 AD patients before and after trazodone use for 2 weeks, and we show a significant improvement in relative rhythm amplitude (RRA), compatible with a more stable daytime behavioral pattern. So, trazodone appears to produce a stabilization of the circadian rhythms in individuals with AD.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Eduardo F. Silva, PhD, for conducting the statistical analysis.
Declaration of Interest
This work has been supported by a grant (#550315/2008-0) and a fellowship for productivity in research (#310157/2012-9) provided from CNPq to OTN, PhD. This was a non-industry-supported study. The authors have no financial conflicts of interest to declare apart from Einstein F. Camargos, PhD, who is currently receiving personal payment from Novartis® Pharma as speaker.