International journal of geriatric psychiatry
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Jul 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyMelatonin decreases delirium in elderly patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Disturbance in the metabolism of tryptophan and tryptophan-derived compounds (e.g., melatonin) may have a role in the pathogenesis of delirium. ⋯ Exogenous low dose melatonin administered nightly to elderly patients admitted to acute care may represent a potential protective agent against delirium.