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The Lunar Influence on Behaviors in Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease
Primary Investigator
Alan M. Beck
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P.I. Institution Name
Purdue University
Title
Contact Address
School of Veterinary Medicine
West Lafayette, IN, 47907-1243
USA
Contact E-mail
abeck@purdue.edu
Contact Telephone
765.494.4085
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Secondary Investigators
Edwards, Nancy E.
McCabe, George P.
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Objective: To objectively examine the lunar influence on the frequency, duration and intensity of behaviors in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Design: Longitudinal design that incorporated direct observation of 30 behaviors common to individuals with AD. Sample: Consisted of 64 individuals located in specialized units in three long-term care facilities. The analysis included individuals (N=15) who demonstrated any of the identified behaviors. Concepts: 30 behaviors commonly exhibited by individuals with AD were measured. The behaviors were categorized into 6 groups for analysis. A chart developed by the National Science Foundation determined the lunar cycle. Methods: Individuals were observed for a period of 12 weeks. A research assistant recorded the frequency, duration and intensity of each behavior that occurred. An analysis of variance was conducted. Findings: Days were classified into five categories based on the day of the full moon. The first category is a three-day period centered at the day of the full moon. The other days are classified into four categories, approximately one week in duration, two before and two after the first period. Behaviors were classified as activities of daily living, wandering, anxiety, physical aggression, personal behaviors and verbal confrontation. The average (per day) of the number of occurrences of each type of behavior in each period was calculated for each of the 15 patients. Analysis of variance methods were used to examine these data with factors time (five levels) and patient. With the exception of personal behaviors where no statistically significant results were found, there was a clear and dramatic pattern. The analysis of variance results indicated a statistically significant effect of time. The rate of occurrence of the behaviors ranged from two to five times greater during the full moon period versus the other four periods (ADL 3times; Wandering 2 times; Anxiety. 2 times, Physical Aggression 5 times; verbal confrontation 3 times). The other four periods did not appear to differ from each other. In addition, the duration of behaviors also increased during periods of full moons. Conclusions: The individuals with AD exhibited significantly more behaviors during periods of full moon. The periods around the full moon did not differ from each other. Additionally, AD individuals demonstrated a greater duration of behaviors during the full moon. Implications: The objective analysis that a lunar influence on behavior in AD individuals exists validates a long-standing belief held by many healthcare providers. The influence on such practices as staffing patterns and interventions focused at prevention of disruptive behaviors will be presented.
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