International journal of geriatric psychiatry
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Dec 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialConfusion assessment method in the diagnostics of delirium among aged hospital patients: would it serve better in screening than as a diagnostic instrument?
The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is an easy, four-step algorithmic diagnostic test developed to detect delirium. ⋯ The CAM seems to be an acceptable screening instrument for delirium, but the diagnosis should be ensured according to the formal criteria of delirium, preferably by the DSM-IV.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Dec 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialDouble blind randomised placebo controlled trial of low dose melatonin for sleep disorders in dementia.
Disturbance of sleep is common in individuals with dementia where there may be reversal of the sleep-wake cycle. People with dementia of the Alzheimer's type have melatonin secretion rhythm disorders. There is some evidence that treatment with exogenous melatonin is an effective treatment for sleep disturbance associated with dementia. A randomised double blind placebo controlled cross over trial was undertaken to test the hypothesis that slow release exogenous melatonin 6 mg improves sleep for people with dementia. ⋯ Contrary to previous findings, we found no evidence that two weeks of exogenous melatonin is effective in improving sleep in people with dementia, although possible benefits of melatonin following longer periods of administration cannot be discounted.