Melatonin and Major Neurocognitive Disorders: Beyond the Management of Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Dysfunction

Abstract

Major neurocognitive disorders (dementias) are characterised by impairments in memory, cognition, and several aspects of behaviour. Sleep disorders arising from circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle dysfunctions are among the most-troubling challenges encountered in individuals with dementia; and for which administration of melatonergic agents is an important management option. However, in addition to this, melatonin and melatonin receptor agonists appear unique in their potential for modulating symptoms known to be associated with major neurocognitive disorders, or altering the course of the underlying pathology. Hence, they are being continuously investigated for their ability to prevent or reverse cognitive decline, as well as for their antioxidant/neuroprotective properties. In this review, we examine the roles of melatonin and melatonergic agents in the management of major neurocognitive disorders, by looking beyond their classic roles in the management of dementiarelated sleep disorders, to other potential roles in the overall management of symptoms and improvement of the quality of life of individuals with dementia.

Relación entre calidad del sueño, hábitos alimentarios y perfil antropométrico en adolescentes: Una en-cuesta transversal (Relationship between sleep quality, eating habits, and anthropometric profile in adolescents: A cross-sectional survey)

“…Estos hallazgos son similares a los resultados encontrados en un estudio realizado en estudiantes en el que se ha evidenciado relación entre los hábitos de sueño y los patrones alimentarios (Doo & Wang, 2020). Estudios han demostrado que los hábitos alimentarios saludables como el consumo de hidratos de carbono complejo, triptófano, melatonina y fitonutrientes se relacionan con una mejor calidad de sueño (Onaolapo & Onaolapo, 2019). En cambio, las dietas ricas en carbohidratos con altos índices glucémicos o alimentos de alta densidad calórica pueden provocar alteraciones en la duración y calidad del sueño (Doo & Wang, 2020).…”

Melatonin and Melatonergic Influence on Neuronal Transcription Factors: Implications for the Development of Novel Therapies for Neurodegenerative Disorders

“…Along this line, the therapeutic benefits of the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of melatonin in neurodegenerative diseases have also been examined in animal models of AD and PD [ 114 - 116 ]. Findings reveal melatonin’s ability to arrest the neurodegeneration process, by reducing the generation of free radicals and regulating mitochondrial homeostasis Melatonin’s role in mitigating or ameliorating the neurocognitive decline associated with aging and/or neurodegenerative disorders have also been investigated extensively [ 117 - 119 , 122 ]. These studies reveal evidence of improvement in sleep, amelioration of bouts of confusion, evening-time anxiety, aggression and agitation (observed a number of AD patients), and slowing down the progression of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer-type dementia following melatonin supplementation.…”

“…These studies reveal evidence of improvement in sleep, amelioration of bouts of confusion, evening-time anxiety, aggression and agitation (observed a number of AD patients), and slowing down the progression of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer-type dementia following melatonin supplementation. This result indicates the possibility that melatonergic agents are likely agents in dementia management [ 122 ].…”

Circadian Rhythm Changes in Healthy Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…Several articles have explored melatonin activity in MCI. [15,23,29,[52][53][54][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92] Nonetheless, only a handful of these studies reported melatonin changes in MCI compared to the healthy age-matched control group. A couple of these studies reported phase advance in melatonin secretion in patients with MCI relative to healthy comparison subjects (Figure 1d); [52,53] although, the levels of melatonin secreted did not differ [53] or were not compared across groups.…”