Some caregivers on myALZteam use melatonin supplements to help their loved ones fall asleep. In addition to using melatonin to help with sleep, many people are interested in whether supplements like melatonin can affect their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or help slow memory loss and cognitive decline. This article explores the possible role of melatonin in preventing, managing, or potentially influencing the development of Alzheimer’s.

What Is Melatonin and What Is It Used For?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland. Its primary function is to regulate the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) by telling your body when it’s time to sleep. As you age, your body produces less melatonin, which can contribute to sleep disturbances. Many older adults take melatonin supplements to help with sleep disorders.

Melatonin is widely used to:

• Regulate sleep patterns in people with insomnia
• Manage jet lag or irregular sleep due to work schedules
• Support better sleep quality in older adults

In addition to regulating sleep, melatonin has antioxidant properties, meaning it can help protect cells from damage. Because oxidative stress plays a role in brain aging, scientists have looked into whether melatonin could have protective effects on brain health, especially Alzheimer’s.

The Link Between Sleep and Alzheimer’s

There’s a strong connection between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep problems, such as trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested, are often early signs of Alzheimer’s. In fact, these disturbances may begin years before cognitive symptoms appear.

One theory is that poor sleep accelerates the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques, which are protein deposits that accumulate in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. These plaques contribute to brain cell damage and cognitive decline.

Since melatonin helps regulate sleep, researchers are exploring whether melatonin supplements can improve sleep quality and, by extension, possibly help prevent Alzheimer’s.

Can Melatonin Cause Alzheimer’s?

There is no scientific evidence that melatonin causes Alzheimer’s. In fact, researchers are more focused on whether melatonin could have protective effects against Alzheimer’s development. Concerns that melatonin might contribute to the disease are not supported by current research.

Can Melatonin Prevent Alzheimer’s?

Several studies have examined whether melatonin treatment can prevent cognitive decline, but results are mixed. Here’s what we know so far:

Animal Studies

Some studies in animals suggest that melatonin may help reduce the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and protect brain cells from damage. These effects suggest a potential role for melatonin in preventing Alzheimer’s.

Human Studies

Evidence from human trials is less clear. Some clinical trials have shown modest cognitive benefits from melatonin, while others have found little to no impact on cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s prevention.

One review highlighted that while studies in animals showed promising results, more human studies are needed to confirm whether melatonin can prevent Alzheimer’s. For now, melatonin has not been proven to prevent Alzheimer’s.

Can Melatonin Improve Cognitive Function?

Melatonin’s potential to improve cognitive function has been the subject of many studies, but the findings are inconsistent.

Some Promising Effects

Melatonin has shown some ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to brain aging. These antioxidant effects could theoretically help preserve cognitive function in older adults.

Limited Human Evidence

Some studies in humans with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — a condition that often comes before Alzheimer’s — have shown slight improvements in memory and cognitive performance with melatonin use. However, the improvements are generally minor, and other studies have found no clear cognitive benefits.

In short, while melatonin may offer some benefits, more research is needed to determine how effective it is in improving cognitive function, especially in people at risk for Alzheimer’s.

Can Melatonin Slow Cognitive Decline in People With Alzheimers?

There is some evidence suggesting that melatonin may help slow cognitive decline in individuals already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Research in this area is still limited, but a few studies point to potential benefits.

Sleep Improvements

One of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s is disrupted sleep. Melatonin has been shown to improve sleep quality in some people with Alzheimer’s, which could help with cognitive function.

Cognitive Decline

Some studies have shown that melatonin may slow cognitive decline in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. However, these findings are not universally supported, and the effects tend to be more pronounced in the early stages of the disease.

Despite these promising results, it’s important to note that melatonin is not a cure for Alzheimer’s, nor is it guaranteed to significantly slow cognitive decline in everyone. It might help with sleep-related symptoms, but its long-term cognitive benefits remain uncertain.

Should You Take Melatonin if You Have a Family History of Alzheimer’s?

If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, you may wonder if taking melatonin could help lower your risk. While melatonin has shown some potential in animal models, the evidence in humans is still inconclusive. Here are a few things to consider.

Sleep Benefits

If you have trouble sleeping, melatonin may help improve your sleep quality. Since sleep is essential for brain health, improving sleep might indirectly reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s.

Consult Your Doctor

There isn’t enough evidence to recommend melatonin specifically for Alzheimer’s prevention. If you’re concerned about your risk for the disease, talk to your doctor about the best preventative measures for you.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle — regular exercise, a balanced diet, and cognitive exercises — remains one of the best ways to support brain health and potentially reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

Should You Take Melatonin if You’ve Been Diagnosed?

If you’ve already been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s, melatonin may offer some benefits, particularly for managing sleep disturbances. People with Alzheimer’s often struggle with sleep, which can worsen other symptoms like confusion and agitation.

However, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend melatonin as a primary treatment for Alzheimer’s or cognitive impairment. It’s important to consult with your doctor before starting melatonin, especially if you’re taking other medications.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myALZteam, the social network for people with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones, more than 86,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Alzheimer’s.

Are you or some you know living with Alzheimer’s and struggling with sleep? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.