PHILADELPHIA: It is well known that good lighting can help people to understand what surrounds them, use landmarks to navigate, identify signs and spaces, see others’ faces and participate in activities. The converse is that poor lighting can result in trips and falls – and may also lead to greater anxiety.
This much has been well known for decades, but what has been less well understood until recently is that light can help correct the rest/activity cycles of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) patients, who often suffer from sleep disturbances. There is also a growing body of evidence to show that good lighting can help with such patient’s agitation and aggression, as well as depression.
In general, lighting for ADRD sufferers should be much brighter than normal indoor lighting. Good lighting and an enhanced visual environment can often result in renewed interest and optimism by patients, who may also regain mobility and remain more active.
Moreover, research has shown that bright light therapy (at least 1,000 lux) for two hours every morning can result in better nighttime sleep, increased daytime wakefulness and reduced evening agitation. The technique is sometimes called ‘biodynamic lighting’.