Disease Modifying Potential of 5mg of Melatonin on Cognition and Brain Health in Aging

Inclusion Criteria:

1. between ages of 56-85 years
2. all participants must score 18 or above on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA);
3. all participants must have a clinical dementia rating (CDR) Sum of boxes \<1;
4. need to be willing to undergo CSF LP on two occasions over the course of their participation,
5. need to be able and willing to stop using any prescription or non-prescription sleep aids (e.g.(e.g. Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta, Belsomra, Rozerem, Halcion, Intermezzo, Doxepin, Melatonin, etc.) for the duration of the study except for study-issued medications
6. BMI \< 35 at the time of enrollment
7. willing to bring a study partner (spouse, child or friend) who knows them well to each of the four visits

AS OF AUGUST 2024, THE LUMBAR PUNCTURE PROCEDURES FOR THIS CLINICAL TRIAL HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED. THAT IS, PARTICIPANTS ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING A LUMBER PUNCTURE. BUT ARE CONTINUING TO RECEIVE TWO SEPARATE BLOOD DRAWS FOR BIOMARKER TESTING.

The exclusion criteria are:

1. Individuals with any of the following conditions/ diseases will be excluded:

   Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without CPAP use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, major psychiatric disease (bipolar, schizophrenia), history of alcohol/drug abuse, neurodegenerative disease diagnosis (e.g. Parkinson's, Lewy body, ALS, MS), prior history of stroke or traumatic brain injury, have undergone chemotherapy in the past 2 years, have been hospitalized for injury/surgery in the past three-months.
2. CDR\>=1, clinically significant depression/anxiety (GDS\>=9; GAI\>=9 ),
3. Participants who are on any of the following medications will be excluded: Fluvoxamine (Luvox)/ Fluoxetine (Prozac), Nifedipine (a blood pressure medication), all anti-coagulants (e.g. Warfarin, Coumadin, Heparin, , Lovenox, Xarelto, Pradaxa, etc.), anti-seizure drugs (e.g. Acetazolamide, Carbamazepine, Clobazam, Clonazepam, Gabapentin, etc.), muscle relaxants (e.g.Baclofen, Valium/ diazepam, Flexeril, etc.), or narcotic pain relievers (e.g.Codeine, Tramadol, Hydrocodone, Demerol, etc).