Drs. Vitiello and Ancoli-Israel Reply

Abstract

EDITOR: Eeles and colleagues' first comment concerns methods used to assess sleep in patients with dementia. Apparently, the authors enumerate potential assessment technique faults to buttress their argument for the use of real-time observations. We take exception to their statements regarding these assessment techniques. Some inventories provide very useful information, particularly when used in conjunction with other, more objective assessments. Actigraphic sleep assessment is accepted practice, 1 Ancoli-Israel S Cole R Alessi C et al. The role of actigraphy in the study of sleep and circadian rhythms. Sleep. 2003; 26: 342-392 Crossref PubMed Scopus (1925) Google Scholar particularly in demented patients, and validated against both polysomnography (PSG) and direct observation in dementia patients nearly 10 years ago. 2 Ancoli-Israel S Clopton P Klauber MR et al. Use of wrist activity for monitoring sleep/wake in demented nursing-home patients. Sleep. 1997; 20: 24-27 PubMed Google Scholar PSG studies in dementia are not easy; however, with appropriate attention paid to patients, staff training, and data analysis, quality studies are possible. 3 Vitiello MV Prinz PN Williams DE et al. Sleep disturbances in patients with mild-stage Alzheimer's disease. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1990; 45: 131-138 Crossref Scopus (179) Google Scholar