A recent study reported that lighting systems installed in rooms of 14 long-term care patients with dementia were linked with decreased agitation, better sleep quality and improved eating.
According to an article on the McKnights website, the lights involved were 300 to 400 lux and had a color temperature of more than 9,000 K. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which was behind the nursing home study, said they used aquarium lights installed in custom-built luminaires.
A larger study is needed to confirm the initial good results, the blog said.
"Perhaps a larger, successful study will lead to mass-produced lighting systems that are therapeutic for dementia," wrote blogger Tim Mullaney.