Scottish medical research company, CPS Research, is heading a clinical trial using sleep medication containing melatonin to treat people with dementia, reports the Telegraph.
Melatonin, known for having no side effects, is usually used to treat insomnia. Circadin, a drug that mimics nature with a prolonged release of melatonin, will be administered for the research project.
Researchers hope the drug will help reduce the symptoms of dementia, and improve participants’ quality of life and that of their families.
The Melatonin in Alzheimer’s Disease Project team hopes to find 50 patients to complete the research over a period of six months. Any person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and already receiving treatment may be part of this research.
“Dementia is a shattering condition for patients, their families and friends. By reducing the symptoms of the illness, it is hoped that both patients and their carers can enjoy a better quality of life and manage the condition more effectively,” said Dr Gordon Crawford at CPS Research.
“In our groundwork for this project we investigated a slow-release version of the natural compound melatonin. Our findings suggested that the participants functioned better during the day – possibly due to a better quality sleep pattern.”