Many older adults with dementia living in long-term care facilities experience depression and agitation, which cause angst and personal suffering. Prior to this research, evidence was inconclusive but indicated that bright light exposure may reduce depression and agitation in long-term care residents with dementia. The purpose of this study was to determine if the degree of improvement in depression and agitation scores over the course of eight weeks was significantly greater in persons with dementia receiving bright light exposure than in persons with dementia receiving placebo light exposure. Sixty individuals participated in the study, with 30 in the bright light group and 30 in the low level light group.

Inclusion criteria were age 60 or older; diagnosis of dementia; ophthalmology screening indicating that the individual was able to perceive light and did not have cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinal problems; able to sit up and keep eyes open; and not too restless to sit for 30 minutes.

Exclusion criteria were age 59 or younger; no diagnosis of dementia; presence of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinal problems; unable to sit up and keep eyes open; and too restless to sit for 30 minutes.