Smart lighting is becoming a helpful tool for people living with dementia. As dementia affects memory, mood, and daily routines, changes in the environment can make a big difference. One of the most promising changes is using smart lighting systems that adjust brightness and color throughout the day.
Many people with dementia struggle with sleep. They may wake up often at night or feel confused and restless. Smart lighting can help by mimicking the natural rhythm of daylight. Bright, cool light in the morning helps the brain wake up and stay alert. As the day goes on, the light becomes softer and warmer, which signals the body that it’s time to relax. This kind of lighting helps the body produce melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleepy. Studies show that seniors in care homes who use smart lighting sleep better, wake up less at night, and feel less depressed.
Smart lighting can also help with mood and behavior. When rooms are too dim, older adults may feel irritable or distracted. Too much glare can be uncomfortable and confusing. Smart systems can be set to avoid these problems, making spaces more comfortable and calming. For people with dementia, this can mean fewer emotional outbursts and less wandering.
Some new therapies use special lights that flicker at a certain frequency. Research from MIT found that daily exposure to 40Hz light and sound stimulation helped people with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. After two years, those who used the therapy showed better cognitive scores and improved sleep. The treatment was safe and easy to use at home, and some participants even had lower levels of tau protein, which is linked to Alzheimer’s.
Smart lighting is not a cure, but it can make daily life easier for people with dementia. It supports healthy sleep, improves mood, and may slow down some symptoms. The technology is simple to use and can be customized for each person’s needs, especially for those who are sensitive to light.
Sources
https://platinumtherapylights.com/blogs/news/red-light-therapy-alzheimers
https://neurosciencenews.com/daily-light-sound-memory-alzheimers-29865/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R95Wx3wUtJw
https://scienceblog.com/flickering-lights-and-buzzing-sounds-kept-alzheimers-at-bay-for-two-years/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12584996/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-025-05981-8
https://www.aol.com/articles/nightly-habit-could-raising-dementia-181407662.html
https://jordansheridan.com/exploring-the-relationship-between-light-and-memory/
