照光療法於失智照護之應用

Application of Light Therapy in Dementia Care

失智症病人常出現睡眠障礙、憂鬱及精神行為症狀，傳統上常以精神科藥物或身體約束來處理，但易造成生理及心理的負向影響，諸多統合分析建議應優先考慮運用非藥物療法來處理失智症症狀，其中之一即照光療法。照光療法運用照光設備產生人造光源，可補強失智症病人白天照光不足並調節其晝夜節律，能有效緩解失智症病人睡眠障礙及憂鬱症狀。護理人員可評估失智症病人的需求及症狀，適時運用照光療法作為輔助的照護介入措施之一，來改善失智症病人的照護品質。

Patients with dementia often display related sleep disturbance, depression, and behavioral and psychological symptoms, which are traditionally managed through the use of antipsychotic medications or physical restraint. However, these management interventions can have negative effects on the physical and psychological health of patients. The results of several meta-analyses suggest nonpharmacological interventions, including light therapy, should be used for the first-line management of these dementia symptoms. Light therapy uses artificial light to compensate for insufficient light exposure during the daytime and to help patients with dementia properly regulate their circadian rhythms. Sleep disturbance and depression in those with dementia may be effectively relieved through the application of light therapy. Nurses should assess the needs and symptoms of patients with dementia and consider applying light therapy as a complementary care intervention to improve quality of care.