Salivary Cortisol and Melatonin, Sleep, and Behavioral Patterns in Older Adults Living With Dementia
Abstract
Background: Over half of the older adults living with dementia have behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), including sleep disturbance; however, little is known about physiological markers. Salivary cortisol and melatonin have been identified as potential biomarkers of BPSD, with evidence suggesting a relationship between these biomarkers and various behavioral factors, as well as sleep and activity patterns.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the time-dependent changes in salivary cortisol and melatonin levels in older adults with dementia, their relationship with the sleep-wake cycle, and their correlation with BPSD symptoms and behavioral factors.
Methods: This observational study conducted in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, used data from 172 older adults with dementia, measuring sleep and activity patterns for 2 weeks using a wearable device, in addition to administering questionnaires for neuropsychiatric and psychological symptoms-the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia. Salivary cortisol and melatonin levels were measured at four time points and divided into four groups based on a dual-trajectory model. Differences among the groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.
Results: The participants showed normal but heterogeneous patterns of salivary cortisol and melatonin levels. Dual-trajectory pattern analysis showed that higher levels of…
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