According to a recent study, Trilux lighting contributed to significantly improved quality of life for a group of care home residents with Alzheimer's disease
The study was conducted by the Orpea Group in co-operation with Nice University Hospital, Le Centre d’Innovation et d’Usages en Santé (CIU-Santé) and Trilux lighting. Findings confirm that dynamic circadian lighting has significant, positive effects on the wellbeing of people with Alzheimer's.
During the study residents benefited from longer sleep cycles and improved sleep quality, resulting in a distinct reduction in night time behavioural disturbances and anxiety symptoms. In a second step, they will investigate the possibility of reducing sedative medication, which would mean further benefits for mental and physical health. Simultaneously, Orpea is planning to implement dynamic light at more of their facilities.
The Orpea Group, which has over 730 facilities across Europe, is one of the largest European providers of care services, including residential facilities for older people, rehabilitation centres and psychiatric clinics. It is well known for promoting drug-free treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Working with Nice University Hospital, Le Centre d’Innovation et d’Usages en Santé (CIU-Santé) and Trilux lighting, it analysed the influence of dynamic light on various Alzheimer's disease symptoms. The Valenton care home near Paris was selected for this study.
Trilux lighting solutions, which replicate the natural rhythm of daylight was installed in corridors, common rooms and relaxation rooms. Over a period of 42 days the effects of the dynamic light on length of sleep phases, night time behavioural disturbances and anxiety symptoms were analysed.
The study showed significant improvements to the resident’s quality of life due to the installation of circadian lighting in common areas. The nominal sleeping period increased by 55 minutes over a 24-hour period and patients woke up less during the night.
Similarly, there was a significant reduction in night time behaviour disturbances and anxiety symptoms.
Due to the impressive results, Orpea decided to keep the Trilux installation after the 42-day test period and has witnessed continued improvements of symptoms over the past nine months, which suggests that treatment with sedative medication can be reduced to promote concentration and performance. These findings are currently being validated in a further six-month study by Nice University Hospital.
Due to the positive impact of the study, Orpea plans to extend the work by installing Trilux circadian lighting solutions in resident’s rooms and in further facilities across Europe.
"Orpea is constantly looking for new treatment possibilities for improving the quality of life of residents. New therapeutic approaches have been opened to us thanks to the dynamic lighting system from Trilux," states Dr Linda Benattar, medical director of the Orpea Group.
