Field measurements of light exposures and circadian disruption in two populations of older adults

Mariana G. Figueiro, Robert Hamner, Patricia Higgins, Thomas Hornick, Mark S. Rea

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

The absence of daily robust light-dark exposure patterns may contribute to sleep disturbances in persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Personal light-dark and activity-rest patterns were measured for healthy older adults and for persons with ADRD. Persons with ADRD experienced lower light levels, exhibited lower activity levels, and had greater levels of circadian disruption than healthy older adults during winter. Seasonal differences were observed for persons with ADRD; lower levels of light exposure and greater levels of circadian disruption were seen during the winter than during the summer, although activity levels did not differ for the two seasons.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)711-715
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Alzheimer's Disease
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • circadian
  • circadian dysregulation
  • circadian light
  • phasor magnitude

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