SynthesisAlzheimer's research & therapy2025
Effect of melatonin on cognitive function in adults with cognitive impairment: a multi-dimensional meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Synthesis in Alzheimer's research & therapy, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Upregulation of SLC38A2 by melatonin attenuates hippocampal ferroptosis in Alzheimer's disease.Alzheimer's research & therapy · 2026Article
- Melatonin as a Guardian of Mitochondria: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential in Neurodegenerative Diseases.Biology · 2026Review
- Melatonin Modulates Astrocyte Inflammatory Response and Nrf2/SIRT1 Signaling Pathways in Adult Rat Cortical Cultures.Biomedicines · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundCognitive impairment leads to poor daily social and occupational functions and sleep disturbances. Approximately two-thirds of all individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experience sleep problems that further reduce cognitive function. Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, has proven effective in mitigating sleep problems and cognitive function in individuals with MCI. The current review investigated the efficacy of melatonin in improving cognitive function in adults with cognitive impairment.
methodsSeven databases were systematically searched for relevant randomized controlled trials published (in English or Chinese) until April 2025. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed quality (using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale), and extracted data.
resultsIn total, 394 potentially eligible articles were identified. Finally, 8 studies (518 participants) were included. Five, one, and two studies had good, excellent, and low quality, respectively. Pooled results indicated that melatonin significantly improved cognitive function in adults with cognitive impairment (mean difference [MD]: 1.08; p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses by treatment duration, administration time, and cognitive impairment level revealed that the effects of melatonin were significant when it was administered for 13-24 weeks (MD: 2.04; p < 0.00001), between the times of 20:30 and 21:00 (MD: 2.2; p < 0.00001), and to individuals with MCI (MD: 2.63; p < 0.000001).
conclusionsOur findings suggest that melatonin is relatively safe for individuals with cognitive impairment. Thus, we recommend it for adults with MCI. It should be administered between 20:30 and 21:00 for 13-24 weeks.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.