Pioneering dementia study

A Scottish medical research company is leading a worldwide sleep study which could radically reduce the symptoms associated with dementia.

Scotland is the first country to take part in the worldwide trial, and before the study is rolled out internationally, CPS Research is seeking to engage with 100 patients in Edinburgh to take part a nine-month study.

The groundbreaking trial is the first of its kind to investigate the use of sleep hormone melatonin as an add-on treatment for dementia. Melatonin is the natural hormone produced at night to prepare the body for sleep and produced throughout the night to maintain sleep.

Dr Gordon Crawford of CPS Research said: "With the help of volunteers from Edinburgh and worldwide we aim to establish that Melatonin helps combat sleeplessness in dementia patients."