Objective
To review the evidence-base behind current treatment options for sleep disturbance in
Alzheimer’s dementia.
Method
A systematic review synthesized the qualitative and quantitative evidence on the treatment of
sleep disturbance in Alzheimer’s dementia. Studies with interventions targeting sleep disturbance in
Alzheimer’s dementia or other aspects of the neuropsychiatric symptoms, but which reported an effect
on sleep, were included. The Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria was used in the
evaluation and scoring of each study based on the quality of the evidence.
Conclusion
Most current treatments targeting sleep disturbance in Alzheimer’s dementia are ineffective.
There is a need for further investigation of interventions for treating sleep disturbance in Alzheimer’s
dementia. Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.