Designing conditions for enhancing sleep, mood and behavioural problems in persons with neurological conditions

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and sleep problems are common in persons with dementia, as are mood and sleep issues in persons with Parkinson’s Disease. Mood issues, sleep problems and BPSD all may be related to some extent to a disturbed circadian rhythm. Brain areas involved in sleep-wakefulness and biological rhythm regulation are sensitive to light and temperature. Hypofunctionality of these areas is involved in nocturnal restlessness in older persons – a primary factor for transfer to a nursing home. This presentation will present a recent research approach developed to investigate bright light as a novel ceiling-mounted treatment solution for patients with dementia, which might easily be extended to persons with Parkinson’s Disease.

Inger Hilde Nordhus is a Professor in Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Medicine at the University of Bergen, Norway and the University of Oslo, Norway, respectively. She is currently an Adjunct Honorary Professor at the University of Queensland, AU, and has until recently served as a research Dean at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen. She is also a licenced Clinical and Community psychologist. Nordhus has her main research focus on late-life anxiety and insomnia in older adults. She has taken a strong position in establishing a sleep lab at her faculty and had been PI for various randomized controlled trials on insomnia and anxiety in late life.