Effects of Cranial Electrostimulation on the rest-activity rhythm and salivary cortisol in patients with probable Alzheimers's disease.

E.J.A. Scherder, D.L. Knol, E.J.W. van Someren, J.B. Deijen, R. Binnenkade, F.J.H. Tilders

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Abstract

Objective. In previous studies, cranial electrostimulation (CES) had positive effects on sleep in depressed patients and in patients with vascular dementia. The present study examined the effects of low-frequency CES on the rest-activity rhythm and cortisol levels of patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). Method. It was hypothesised that a decreased level of cortisol would parallel a positive effect of low-frequency CES on nocturnal restlessness. Sixteen AD patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 8) or a control group (n = 8). The experimental group was treated with CES, whereas the control group received sham stimulation, for 30 minutes a day, during 6 weeks. The rest-activity rhythm was assessed by actigraphy. Cortisol was measured repeatedly in the saliva throughout the day by means of salivette tubes. Results. Low-frequency CES did not improve the rest-activity rhythm in AD patients. Moreover, both groups showed an increase instead of a decrease in the level of cortisol. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that low-frequency CES has no positive effect on the rest-activity rhythm in AD patients. An alternative research design with high-frequency CES in AD is discussed. © 2003, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)101-108
Number of pages9
JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003

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