Melatonin Trial in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment Shows Feasibility, But No Clear Effects Yet

A new clinical trial published in the Journal of Pineal Research found that a high nightly dose of melatonin was safe and well-tolerated in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), but did not produce significant improvements in brain function, mood, or sleep over a 12-week period. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep and is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some researchers believe it might offer protective benefits for the aging brain by reducing oxidative stress, which is a build-up of damaging molecules that has been linked to the early stages of dementia.