Dementia affects 850,000 people in the UK, according to research from the NHS (National Health Service England). With more people living longer, this number is expected to rise. In light of this fact, many persons with dementia will want to handle their legal issues surrounding the creation of their Will. Can someone with dementia make a Will?
Making a valid Will with dementia
If a person is not of sound mind when making their Will, then it can be possible to challenge it. When making their Will, the fact that someone has dementia or perhaps any other mental health illness, does not itself render a Will invalid.
For an individual to have the necessary capacity to create a Will, they must understand:
The fact that they are creating a Will and its consequences.
The claims of those who might expect to be left something in the Will.
The amount of their property and assets.
They must not suffer any delusion of the mind which impacts how they may deal with disposing of their property, i.e. leaving legacies in their Will which they would not have included had they been of sound mind.
A person that has dementia can satisfy these criteria. It is not the general state of health of the individual, including dementia at issue; rather, it is the individual’s cognitive understanding at a particular point in time that is when they are giving instructions to their solicitor.
Can I contest a Will made by a person with dementia?
It would be necessary for someone seeking to challenge a Will, to produce medical proof that the person making it, did not have capacity.
If a Will is deemed invalid, any previously written Will would become the new valid Will. If no previous Will exists, the Intestacy Rules apply. The Inheritance and Trustees’ Power Act establishes intestacy regulations. They determine who gets what based on family connections. The rules do not consider closeness of family ties or who is most in need.
When creating a Will, a good solicitor or Will writer will assess, when taking instructions from their client, if medical opinion on the Will maker’s capacity ought to be acquired before the Will is executed.
The practitioner should also record how they themselves have assessed the Will maker’s capacity, to help ensure the Will is more robust and less susceptible to challenge.
If a Will is challenged in court, all of the evidence, medical and otherwise, will be closely examined, so it is important to use an experienced Will writer and professional to support you through this process.
What if a member of the family with dementia wants to make a Will?
If you have a family member with dementia or another mental illness, wanting to create a Will, or if you believe that the capacity of a relative was limited when their Will was written, or if you’re an executor of a Will being challenged, it’s important to hire specialist solicitor with experience to support you and your family through the complex process.
If you have any more questions surrounding contesting of a Will, or Will writing, Myerson have both Will dispute and Will solicitors working together to support you through complex cases. You can contact the contesting a Will teamatMyerson Solicitors (based in the UK).
‘Can someone with dementia make a Will?’ article written by Myerson Solicitors.
Medical decision making can be challenging even for healthcare professionals.
Have you been asked to make a medical decision for your loved one and felt like you were doing the wrong thing? Maybe you felt completely unprepared to make the call?
Perhaps you have not been faced with this task yet and are worried you might make the wrong decision.
If you are thinking, “yes that’s me”, you’re not alone.
Every person is unique. Their previous experiences, current and past medical conditions, personality, and values all play a role in how new illnesses or injuries will affect them.
A diagnosis of dementia poses even more of a hurdle to overcome when making decisions.
Medical Decision Making Steps to Take
Here are some action steps and an approach to take to help you feel more confident:
Everyone must be on the same page
First, go and find your loved one’s advanced directive form(s). See what they wrote when they had the ability to choose. Make sure they did not designate someone else to make decisions for them. In that case you should have a talk with that person and the rest of the family members who will want to be involved. It is best to have everyone on the same page if possible.
Loved one’s wishes
If you are the official decision maker, either through a legal document or because it has fallen to you as a default, there is one golden rule throughout this process.
Always refer to what your loved one would say if they were able to see themselves in their current condition and be a part of the conversation.
List of medical conditions
Next step is to make a list of your loved one’s medical conditions.
Think diabetes, COPD, heart failure, kidney disease, cancer, chronic pain. Learn a little about each of them.
Websites like Mayo Clinic and John’s Hopkins have great background information on chronic medical conditions.
Especially pay attention to whether these conditions are curable or not. If not, try to find out how they can worsen over time.
It is important to have an understanding about how they could impact your loved one as the symptoms of dementia progress and at the end of their life.
Having this background knowledge will help you when problems or crises arise– and choices have to be made.
Learn about medical complications of dementia
You will also need to learn about the common medical complications of dementia.
Consider injuries from falls, such as hip fractures or bleeding in the brain. Think about infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Poor nutrition and dehydration are also very common.
Stop to consider what you would do if your loved one faced one of these challenges. What would they tell you to do if they were able to see themselves and make the decision? Would they want to have surgery or be hospitalized?
Think about how your decisions will change overtime as your loved one’s underlying medical conditions and dementia symptoms worsen.
Quality of Life
Use your loved one’s quality of life as a compass when being asked to make choices.
“Quality of life” looks different for every individual. Contemplate what makes your loved one “them.”
Weighing the positives and negatives in their life can be a valuable exercise as you navigate complex decisions.
Reflect on who they were before the dementia symptoms started.
Perhaps they were a great chef, doting grandparent, gardener, explorer, dancer, avid reader, card game enthusiast, or hobbyist.
They likely can not participate in all their favorite activities now. Hopefully they have new interests or things that make them “light up” and give their life happiness and meaning. These can be helpful considerations.
Know that things are never black and white, and decisions can evolve over time. One common approach in medical decision making, is to allow more aggressive and invasive treatments early on to try and preserve quality of life.
Unfortunately, as their underlying diseases, including dementia, worsen over time, their quality of life will undoubtedly decline.
End Stage of Dementia
At the end stages of dementia it becomes easier to recognize the signs of suffering. They may seem to be uncomfortable, unhappy or not able to enjoy life. They may lose what makes them “them.”
In this stage it is more common to not pursue aggressive treatments or interventions and to focus on keeping the person comfortable.
Think of dementia like a staircase.
The top of the stairs is where they start and the landing after the bottom step is the end of life.
Each step down is a worsening symptom, an illness or an injury they have to face.
Most people with dementia who are faced with a medical challenge to overcome can realistically hope to stay on the current step. Going back up the steps to a better quality of life is very rare.
As the disease progresses, carefully consider the medical decisions you make. Use quality of life, and what that means to your loved one, as the guiding light in making decisions.
Again consider what they would say if they were sitting there a part of the conversation.
Consider All Options
When you are being asked to make a choice, ask the person talking to you what the purpose of the treatment is. What are the other options available?
Ask them to help you consider the ability of a treatment or intervention to preserve or improve quality of life versus simply prolonging life.
Try to better understand what comes next after the treatment or intervention. What can you expect for the future? Could it mean more potential side effects or that they would have to stay in the hospital? Will it be recommended they go to another facility for additional care you can not provide at home?
You Are Your Loved One’s Advocate.
You are capable of making the decision to serve their best interest, especially when empowered with the information and insight discussed in this article. If something recommended is not something they would have wanted, you can say no.You can question whether something will likely improve your loved one’s quality of life. You can ask for more options. Lastly, you can also change your mind.
Remember the disease is what is causing the medical crisis, not you. You will be making the best decision with the information you have at the time on behalf of your loved one.
In Summary:
Empower yourself with as much information ahead of time.
Look at their advanced directives already on file.
Learn about their medical conditions and the complications of these illnesses and of dementia itself.
Reflect on what they would have wanted, what makes them “them”, what “quality of life” means for them.
The more educated you become about the potential complications that are coming, the more prepared and confident you will be when difficult choices arise
About the Author
This article was written by Dr. Brittany Lamb.
She is a board certified practicing Emergency Medicine physician.
Various studies have shown that reading to a person with dementia helps their imagination, thinking and memory. Even if we read to a group of people and not just an individual, we have a positive impact on the listening group.
This article will highlight the benefits of reading to person’s with dementia and identify what books would be most suitable.
To assist our viewers with what and where to buy books, we have identified and reviewed the best books that can be bought for people with dementia.
Reading During Different Stages of Dementia
Reading to people with dementia relieves the stress, tension, and anxiety they may experience due to the disease during different stages. What matters is your calm presence, the time you spend on activity, and daily reading routine.
Position a person with dementia in a comfortable reading place and read to them. They can have their eyes closed while you are reading.
If a person falls asleep during an activity, do not wake them. You can take the fact that the person is sleeping as a compliment, as it means that person feels safe and relaxed next to you.
If you introduce reading as a routine into the life of a person with dementia and read to them daily before going to bed, the person will know that it is time to go to bed and will calm down.
Your reading, however, will most likely lead them to a carefree dream.
Unlike watching television, which has been proven to keep people awake for a longer time, or the program content affects their sleep (nightmares, fear, tension, worries).
Books Connect Us
The content of the books enables conversation, arouses interest, evokes emotions and stimulates thinking.
Comfort
Some people with dementia, even though they can no longer read on their own, still like to keep books near them.
A person who once loved and read a lot, and has favorite books, will find comfort in them. He or she may want to just look at them, hold them or smell them. The books are evoking emotions and feelings with people with dementia. For this reason it is important to have books in a home for elderly people.
Conversation
Books can also be an essential element of a conversation.
With them, you can relive memories and life stories of a person. This is especially so with books that contain a lot of pictorial material. You can slowly review the pictures with the person with dementia, ask questions, and encourage spontaneous conversation.
Books stimulate the mind. Those of you who have a relative who doesn’t recognize people because of advanced dementia; maybe he/she forgets what they did that same day; or says very little, will
Connection
A book can be a wonderful connection between you and a person with dementia. By reading, you can create a pleasant atmosphere, an activity that makes sense and, above all, connection.
Make your usual time and visits to the person with dementia as beautiful and enjoyable as possible.
What Book to Choose when Reading to a Person with Dementia
Here we cover what to read and offer point our viewers in the direction of available resources that can be purchased.
Poetry
Reading is slower when reading poetry. There is less text and the same text can be read multiple times, line by line.
Large format
Designed for dementia
Award winning (Dementia Care)
20 poems
Full color
For adults (not children)
Paperback
No rating
Folk songs
Folk songs help with bringing back memories. Memories of singing together and folk tales.
This can open conversation about when they sang certain songs (holidays, socializing, war). Permitting emotions to come to life!
Fairy tales
Like with folk songs, fairy tales may bring back childhood memories, together with memories of raising children.
These books have lots of pictures with only a little text Your storytelling can be funny, serious, exciting, and you can change your voice when reading.
Puzzles
In the first phase of dementia, people still like to solve mental games, train their memory, compose and draw. Puzzles from nature are especially interesting.
Wipeable sheets (reuse)
Designed for dementia
Suit early to middle stage dementia
Keeps active for long periods
Suitable for visually impaired
10 page book ~ 8.5" x 5.5"
Completed with or without supervision
Designed for adults with memory loss
Designed by expert (science)
Simple & enjoyable
Large format
Colored pictures
Theme- seasons
Suitable for early to middle stage dementia
Includes Christmas in winter section (some people may not share beliefs)
Interactive memory book
Wide variety of games
Easy to difficult
Imaginative activities
Advice for body/mind given
130 puzzles
Designed for dementia
Science based guidance
Dr. Alexis Olson (author)-neuropsychological therapist
Paperback
Some print green/brown color- not good for visually impaired
No mess paint
Enhances hand coordination
Large water pen
Bright colors revealed
Let dry to erase pictures ( reuse over and over again)
Suitable for early to middle stage dementia
5 themes
Keeps occupied for long periods
Smallish book
4.5 STARS
Cookbooks
Reading recipes, talking about food and what a person used to like to cook, evoke conversation, feelings and memories. Talk about favorite foods and how they made/cooked something- family secrets, special recipes.
Magazines and Newspapers
Selecting especially old magazines and newspapers from when the person with dementia was in their youth opens up conversations about the past.
Modern magazines and newspapers, interweaving of pictures and short text, following the days and current events, also allows for conversation.
Large print songbook
25 Christian hymns & music
Easy to hear & sing
Played in lower keys
Uncluttered 8.5" X 11" 32 pages
Durable paper
Coated cover
2 sets available to purchase
High contrast color pictures
Stained glass illustrations
Suit early to mid dementia
14" X 12"
Book lies flat when open
5 STARS
Photographic Monograph
These are excellent as they have lots of photos and less text, promoting browsing and viewing. Photographic Monographs foster conversations about nature, travel, sport etc.
Classic Novels
Memories are stimulated when reading popular novels, especially the classics of their day.
Hard cover
Easy to read text
Illustrated
Pleasant themes
Author a clinical psychologist
Does mention 'memory difficulties' in text
Text quite short
4.5 STARS
Closing Remarks
Your next visit can take place without distress, thinking about what you will be talking about and wondering how to successfully break the uncomfortable silence if it occurs.
Even if a person won’t accept reading enthusiastically at first, don’t give up right away. Experiment with different literary genres and observe how the person responds.
Reading to a person with dementia is a rewarding experience for both them and yourself. It is simply a way to ensure your loved one is feeling happy, relaxed and connected.
Watching a loved one’s memory decline in front of your eyes is emotionally tiring and comes with a wide range of daily responsibilities. Someone whom you knew to be mentally sharp, stable, and independent is now becoming less functional, and starts to show many changes in their behaviour and mood patterns. In this article we address Dementia and family stress.
How To Prevent Stress and Burnout in Dementia Caregiver?
Looking after a family member or someone else who has a dementia onset is not just immensely challenging in terms of the responsibilities associated with this role, but also comes with a host of mental and emotional difficulties that often leave caregivers in a deep state of stress and burnout.
In this article, I’ll discuss the causes that lead people, who look after someone with cognitive decline, to experience burnout. I’ll also point out the signs that are worth paying attention to when it comes to this psychological state.
Further, I will also provide some support tips for how caregivers can prevent stress to take over and affect their mental health.
Emotional Costs of Providing Care to an Individual with Memory Decline
If you have ever been in the position where you are responsible for an elderly’s health, you know this too well – providing care is not just about feeding, bathing, and administering medication to a vulnerable person.
Most of the time, the stress you experience when you are in a caregiver role has more to do with the emotional and mental impact of the job than with the physical responsibilities per se.
Surely, doing your best to keep your loved one with dementia safe and to make sure they attend their medical appointments does take a toll on your health, however, the real stress comes from other aspects.
Perhaps the distress caused by seeing your loved one’s mental health decline is so overwhelming that you can barely process it for yourself, let alone be strong enough to look after them.
You might stay awake at night wondering if they are going to fall, move away from their room or have an accident. Or perhaps their mood swings, uncontrollable behaviors and anger outbursts are so intense that you are left with very little mental energy to attend to your own life.
No matter what the most vulnerable aspect of the care is for you, it is important to know that feeling tired and stressed is very common among dementia caregivers.
Also, it might be helpful to know in advance how you can best handle burnout if you ever experience it.
Identifying Signs of Dementia and Family Stress
Alzheimer’s and Dementia are neurodegenerative diseases that require family members and caregivers to be increasingly more involved in the care of the individual affected by them.
As signs and symptoms of dementia advance, the behaviours, personality, and health of the affected individual worsen, making the care more complex and demanding.
This puts increased pressure on family members and caregivers involved in the care process, who are more likely to develop symptoms of stress and burnout.
According to the Maslach Burnout Inventory, burnout is a psychological phenomenon defined by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, increased negativity, depersonalization, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed things.
It is a common condition amongst caregivers due to the high demands and stresses created by this role.
Although the causes of burnout are complex and not yet entirely understood by research, it is believed that chronic and poorly managed stress is what leads those in a caregiver role to develop burnout symptoms.
It is highly important that all caregivers educate themselves on how to detect the first signs of burnout in order to seek support as early as possible.
Although this condition can show in subtle signs at first, be sure to look out for the following symptoms:
Fatigue
Extreme tiredness that does not go away with usual sleep or rest can indicate that you might be at risk of developing burnout.
Listen to your body and ensure that you give yourself plenty of time to recharge for all the effort you invest into looking after your loved one.
Irritability and mood swings
Due to the constant pressure of having to provide for a vulnerable senior, some people can experience mood changes and irritability.
This can trigger negative responses and impulses towards the people around them.
Lack of concentration
Due to sleeplessness and constant exhaustion, dementia caregivers might find that their concentration is impaired, and their cognitive skills are significantly affected.
Anxiety and depression
These two conditions can often manifest altogether. Some caregivers might feel increasingly worried about their loved one’s future while at the same time experiencing feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Having to figure out so many aspects of someone with dementia’s life can be challenging and frustrating, leading to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Sleeplessness
Some caregivers might have impaired sleeping problems due to ongoing worries about their loved one. They might feel the pressure to be alert and available at all times, even during the night, which leads to issues with rest and sleep.
Dealing with Caregiver Burnout
It’s true that many family caregivers are so overburdened with responsibilities that they rarely get the chance to prioritise self-care.
Looking after someone with dementia can feel like a part-time job. Research shows that the average caregiver spends around 23.7 hours per week providing care to a loved one.
Besides work and other family commitments, this can really add significant pressure on many caregivers, who are left with the feeling that they need to be available to the loved one with dementia 24/7.
However, the only way of avoiding or coping with first signs of burnout is to prioritise self-care as much as possible.
Me time
Setting time aside to recharge and recover from ongoing stressors is the only way to renew your emotional resources and to continue to be available to the vulnerable person as much as you can.
Failing to look after your emotional needs and to attend to the physical tiredness can backfire on your physical and mental health, which results in resentment and built-up anger. Ultimately, this can lead to a real burnout where you lack physical and emotional reserves to cope with the unavoidable challenges.
Set clear and realistic expectations
Another way of dealing with and preventing burnout is to be as realistic as possible regarding the support you are able to offer to the loved one with dementia.
As neurodegeneration progresses, the complexity of the care needed also increases. As a result, it is almost impossible for one single individual to meet all the needs of a senior with dementia.
Setting clear and realistic expectations on the amount of care you are able to offer can prevent you from experiencing feelings of guilt, self-blame and doubt.
Seek support
Similarly, asking for professional support is highly recommended for dementia caregivers who find themselves overburdened with responsibilities.
If you suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, or depression, you can get in touch with mental health professionals or counsellors who can help you better manage your resources and cope with daily challenges.
Tips to Manage Dementia and Family Stress
Recognising that the caregiver role brings a lot of stress with it should determine people in this role to implement strategies and measures that make more resilient, such as:
Educating yourself
Being a dementia caregiver requires more skills as the disease of your loved one progresses. As a result, you might want to access training courses of resources that better equip you to deal with the changes in behaviour and personality of the person diagnosed with dementia. It might also be helpful for you to talk to other caregivers about their experience with this matter.
Look after yourself
Prioritize sleep, good nutrition and see your doctor regularly. Prioritize your needs for rest and listen to your body when it needs a break.
Use relaxation techniques
This can be engaging in a hobby that you like or attending a yoga class. Breathing techniques, meditation, and visualisation techniques are also proven as highly effective methods in alleviating stress and tension.
Exercise weekly
Being active relieves mental stress and releases endorphins, a feel-good hormone that increases feelings of relaxation. Research shows that exercise also aids in conditions such as depression and anxiety, which are often found in people who suffer from chronic stress and burnout
Sort out legal and financial plans
Having all legal and financial aspects sorted can provide comfort to the entire family, thus relieving caregivers of the extra pressure associated with those aspects. Make sure that you involve the individual with dementia in their financial planning and seek legal and financial counsel so that you do not have to worry about these things in the future.
Final Words
Unfortunately, being a dementia caregiver can be a difficult burden to bear even for the most resilient of us.
Therefore, when dealing with dementia and family stress, it is important to ensure that you prioritize self-care and seek mental health support whenever you see a decline in your wellbeing.
Staying in touch with other family members and delegating responsibilities is also a good solution whenever this is possible.
Recognising that the caregiver role can put a lot of pressure on your mental, physical and emotional well-being is the first step in knowing how to access the relevant resources that help prevent chronic stress and burnout.
Persons living with dementia and their caregivers or loved ones will at one point have to deal with dementia and financial problems. This is because as the illness progresses, affected individuals normally struggle to manage their finances.
At the onset of the illness, affected individuals may complete simple tasks such as paying bills without any problem. They may experience difficulties completing tasks like balancing check books. Later on, they can lose their ability to handle money matters.
Seniors with dementia may either need additional support or someone reliable and trustworthy should take over the management of finances. There are several areas where a person with dementia may struggle with finances and these may include:
Difficulties Managing Money
Persons with dementia will most likely have continuing financial responsibilities such as credit cards, mortgages, personal loans, or other forms of credit. Some may even have kids who depend on them financially.
Sadly, living with dementia may result in less income, which is something that can create pressure when it comes to keeping up with financial responsibilities.
It is recommended that people who have dementia seek financial advice as soon as possible to know how best to manage their funds. It is usually important to make decisions in advance so that things are handled the way the affected person would want them to be handled.
Signs of Dementia and Money Problems
Be on the lookout for signs of money problems. For example a person with dementia may have difficulty counting change, calculating a tip, paying for a purchase, balancing a checkbook, or understanding a bank statement. They may be afraid or agitated when talking about money. You may also notice:
Unpaid and unopened bills
Unusual purchases on a credit card
Strange new merchandise
Money amiss from the person’s bank account
Having a Separate Bank Account With Limits
Setting up standing orders for regular bills like rent/ mortgage, electricity, and gas is a good way to make sure a person does not forget to make payments.
When it comes to dementia and bank accounts, it is usually best for persons with dementia to have a separate account that will cater for care expenses. It is also advisable to have limits set on the bank account to manage withdrawals.
A trustworthy person should be put in charge of noting the money that comes in and out of the account so that the individual with dementia does not become a victim of fraud.
Explore Available Benefits
It is also important to explore benefits available for persons with dementia to help ease the financial burden.
Persons who are over the age of 65 may benefit from Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction among others.
Looking at insurance options can also be another great way to help manage money well. Additionally, affected individuals can also look into free and low-cost community services they can take advantage of.
Problems Remembering PINs
One of the points that come up when discussing dementia and managing money is the inability to remember PINs (Personal Identification Numbers). If the person with the progressive illness can still effectively take care of their finances, it would be best for them to use chip and signature cards.
This way, the affected person will not need to remember any numbers as they will only provide a signature when they need to access their money. It is also possible to set up direct debits that can be used for bills so that the person with dementia does not have to worry about making payments.
Giving Money Away Aimlessly
It is also important to talk about dementia and giving money away. Many caregivers agree that some people with dementia become over-generous with their money. Sadly, in most cases, they are victims of scammers.
Scams
Unscrupulous individuals may contact the person with dementia requesting donations or offering fake “special deals”.
If necessary, consider changing their number so that scammers do not have access to the sick individuals.
Registering the persons on a Do Not Call registry is also necessary to protect seniors from unwarranted calls.
Frugal with Money
Persons with dementia may start giving away money or spending it on unnecessary things. This is a common issue. For instance, a person may purchase 10 similar outfits or household items they will never use. This can especially be noticeable if a person was previously frugal and their spending habits suddenly change.
For some individuals, the topic of dementia and money obsession becomes apparent. A person with dementia may show strong signs of becoming obsessed with money. They may even accuse caregivers of stealing their cash when this is not the case.
Fake Money
If a person with dementia wants to constantly see their money, and become agitated when they cannot, then carers can purchase fake money and place it in their wallets or somewhere where they can see the cash with ease. This helps to keep them calm and happy. It will reassure them that people are not steeling from them.
In the above scenarios, it is advisable to talk to the affected person about the recent changes in their lives concerning dementia and financial problems.
If this does not sit well with the affected individual, consider asking professionals like an attorney or clergy to speak to them.
Limiting Access
Limiting access to check books and credit cards can also help limit a person’s access to money so that they do not give it away carelessly.
It is also advisable to appoint a durable power of attorney who will help properly manage finances.
Take note if there is any form of elder financial abuse. This is where other people take advantage of seniors by misusing their money or property. Such cases warrant reporting to the police as well as local Adult Protective Services (APS) organizations.
Signs of Financial Fraud or Abuse
Signatures on checks and other important documents do not match the signature of the person with the illness.
An individual’s house is under sale or has been sold without them giving permission.
The person’s will has been changed without their knowledge.
The individual is missing valuable items such as jewellery from their home.
The affected person has signed legal papers like power of attorney, will, or joint house deed without knowing what the papers are all about.
Closing Thoughts
After a dementia diagnosis, it is common for affected persons and their loved ones to have to deal with dementia and financial problems. Individuals with the progressive illness need to be given enough support from reliable professionals as well as their relatives or friends to ensure they appropriately manage their finances throughout the illness.
Health experts advise persons with dementia to include a variety of superfoods for dementia in their diet daily. Live Science describes foods for dementia as mostly plant-based, but also some dairy and fish that are thought to be nutritionally dense, hence good for a person’s health.
Scientists are continually examining the foods that can enhance cognition and the ones that hinder it. Research shows that what a person eats has a significant impact on brain health.
Hippocrates once emphasised that food should be medicine and medicine should be food. Consuming the right combination of foods can build new brain cells, enhance memory, and perhaps lessen dementia occurrences.
Chief policy and research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, Dr. Doug Brown, said that eating a balanced and healthy diet can reduce the risk of stroke, cancer, and heart disease; thus, it is likely that healthy eating is a great way of looking after the brain.
He also stated that they are still waiting for proof from huge scientific trials to show whether changing diet can reduce dementia risk and by how much.
Check out some of the superfoods that are recommended for persons living with dementia below.
Best Super Foods for Dementia
Cruciferous Vegetables and Leafy Greens
Vegetables are not only tasty, but they also have essential vitamins, like B9 and folate, which have proven to reduce depression and boost cognition.
Green vegetables have more vitamins with options like collard greens, kale, spinach, cauliflower, and broccoli being some of the best choices.
Vegetables are also known to be high in carotenoids that can reduce homocysteine levels. This is an amino acid that is linked to dementia, brain atrophy, and cognitive decline.
Berries
Berries like cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are a go-to option when looking for fruits that are loaded with antioxidants and help reduce inflammation. Antioxidants are known to help persons with dementia by enhancing cognitive function.
A study released in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease explains that the level of antioxidants various berries have, may help with reducing plaque build-up in the brain. This plaque is one of the major causes of dementia.
Berries also contain a flavonoid known as anthocyanin that may help slow down the progression of brain damage that is triggered by free radicals.
Investigators also claim that blueberries which are also referred to as “brain food” may activate the region of the brain that controls memory and learning, however, more studies on these are required to substantiate the claims.
Spices and Herbs
Spices are also included in the list of superfoods for dementia.
These are great because they can be added to meals to enhance flavour without adding any calories or bulk. They also offer a wide range of benefits depending on the spices a person is taking.
Cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and sage are examples of some spices that help to boost memory, reduce brain inflammation, improve working memory, and reduce brain plaque.
Herbs like rosemary are also known to enhance memory and offer people with dementia protection from cognitive decline.
Other herbs and spices that are proven to be good for brain health include ginger, nutmeg, pepper, and saffron.
Seeds and Nuts
Nuts and seeds are packed with healthy vitamins, protein, fats, and magnesium which are proven to reduce brain inflammation, promote good cognition, and beat off mental decline.
A study reported that ladies over 70 years who eat at least 5 servings of nuts weekly have better brain health than the ones who do not eat nuts.
Seeds like pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and sunflower seeds are an excellent source of omega-3s, vitamin E, choline, and zinc which can also promote brain health.
Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) studies mice with AD. Some of the rodents were fed a standard diet while others were supplemented with walnuts.
During the period of the study, the researchers uncovered that the mice that were on a standard diet suffered impaired learning ability and memory deficits.
The rodents that were fed on walnuts recorded improvements in learning ability and memory.
Avocado
The avocado has also earned its place among the superfoods for dementia.
It is a nutrient-dense fruit that is rich in potassium, folate, fibre, magnesium, and vitamin E. Avocado as a monosaturated fat can reduce the risk of cognitive decline because it can help increase blood flow and lower blood pressure.
The fruit is also said to prevent the formation of brain tangles thanks to the fact that it is rich in folate.
Avocados also pack flavonoids and polyphenols that are anti-inflammatories and help fight dementia.
Omega-3
These are healthy fats that may help to prevent and fight dementia. They are commonly found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna.
The fish types are also high in DHA and EPA which are fatty acids that are important for optimal brain health. People can also get omega-3s in flax seeds and olive oil among other sources.
Pulses
Pulses like beans and legumes (which can include chickpeas and lentils) are a nutritional powerhouse offering folate, iron, potassium, magnesium.
They are also high in fibre & protein, and low in fat. It is one of the reasons they belong to the category of superfoods for dementia. They also pack a B vitamin known as choline that boosts a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine which is vital for brain function.
The plant proteins have been linked with enhanced preservation of thinking and memory. A study indicated that a lower intake of pulses can lead to an increase in cognitive decline.
Eggs
Eggs are among some of the most nutritious foods found in the home, providing people with multiple minerals and vitamins.
Eggs are a great source of choline which helps to repair damaged brain tissue.
A study by the University of Eastern Finland discovered that choline is not only useful in developing memory and the brain, but it might also help to protect people against Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
Closing Remarks
Carefully choosing what to eat can have a significant impact on a person’s health. It is one of the reasons the above super foods for dementia come highly recommended.
These brain-boosting foods can help slow down progression of the illness and improve the quality of life for persons with the progressive illness.
It is not always easy to source superfood herbs, nor is it, for some people, practical to grow your own herbs. Taking a well-formulated supplement may be the best solution.
ReaDemetia investigated several products that we felt had the ingredients and integrity to be worthy for our audience to consider. One product, ProMind Complex, ticked many of the boxes.
We are presenting a selection of the best therapy dolls reviewed here for our viewers- to assist people with selecting the perfect doll for their loved one with dementia.
We have also provided a comprehensive guide to buying and utilizing a therapy doll.
The newborn comfort dolls we have chosen were specifically selected for adults with memory loss.
Lifelike
Detail- wrinkles/fingernails
Accessories
Durable & sturdy
Weighted
Value for price
Male/female dolls
Silicone & cotton
Scroll Down, below ‘Buyer’s Guide’, for full review on selected therapy dolls
Ultimate Guide to Buying a Therapy Doll
Therapy dolls have an incredible effect on people in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer’s. They are calming, soothing and gives people a sense of responsibility.
Alzheimer’s doll therapy brings dementia patients back to a time in their life when they cared for a young family. Rather than having someone caring for them, dementia patients can do the caring- giving carers an opportunity to relax.
The simple act of cuddling a doll can help re-establish nurturing feelings, express emotions, provide a sense of purpose, and bring joy and comfort.
Expertly crafted therapy dolls can look and feel very lifelike.
A quality doll will have the following features:
Sturdy and durable
Easy to clean
Attention to detail
Made from safe materials that look and feel like a real baby
Weighted body and head (reality)
Realistic hair
Body parts that can move
Life sized
Well-made clothing
Appropriately clothed
Silicone material over vinyl
ReaDementia identified 3 excellent therapy dolls available at the Alzheimer’s Store to review as well as some of the better doll products from the Amazon Store.
In our view, the far better products were the better quality dolls specifically designed for adult people with Alzheimer’s disease, rather than regular dolls designed and made primarily for children.
In the end the choice you make will be based on what doll best suit your family member with dementia and what your budget allows. Some of the less expensive dolls do offer value for money.
Positive outcomes of doll therapy for dementia patients:
Offer an opportunity to give care rather than receive it
Giving and receiving of unconditional love
Reach the patient and establish a connection
Opportunity for structured reminiscence sessions
Planned opportunities for meaningful interactions with the environment
A tool to help alleviate changing behaviours which may include anxiety, agitation, or low mood
To engage in an activity which reminds them of their past roles
Considerations when selecting a therapy doll
In choosing the most appropriate doll, try to select the most lifelike one that fits your budget.
As a rule, dolls with soft bodies, but hard hands, feet and heads provide a more realistic ‘feel’ than those which are solid plastic or vinyl throughout. Dolls made with silicone do offer this feel.
Select dolls that reflect a realistic size and weight for a real baby.
Ensure that the therapy doll is appropriately clothed. Inappropriate dress shows little respect for the reality of the dementia patient.
Be aware of culturally specific practices in relation to childcare. Seek a doll that reflects the culture of the patient.
Introducing a Therapy Doll
Carry the doll into the room respectfully as if the doll were a real baby. This gives the dementia patient the chance to choose between reality and fantasy.
Do not coerce the dementia patient to hold the doll but wait for them to notice and acknowledge it. Invite them to hold the doll if they show interest
Observe the dementia patient to see Let if they enjoy interacting with a therapy doll. Watch to see if they smile and use loving tones.
If the patient questions if the doll is real, offer a response such as “it’s whatever you want it to be”.
Allow them to discover for themselves if the doll is real.
If the patient recognizes the therapy doll as a doll, don’t deny it. Rather, explore how lifelike it is and use it as an alternative form of looking back in their lives at experiences with babies.
Regardless of whether the patient considers the therapy doll as real or not, it is still important that the doll is always treated with dignity and respect. This also applies to when the doll is being stored. It isn’t a good thing for a patient to discover their doll tossed in some box or left on a table. This may trigger them as they may perceive that the doll is in danger.
Observe the dementia patient’s reaction and intervene if you feel they are made uncomfortable or become agitated by. Gently taking the doll and sitting with it yourself whilst continuing the conversation, may be enough to relieve anxious feelings. Then gradually reintroduce the doll.
Baby Doll New Born Comfort is a professionally designed therapy doll for adults with dementia. It is realistically proportioned and weighted to provide a realistic experience for the patient.
This product is available from the Alzheimer’s Store. They offer five different dolls, each with variances with gender, ethnicity, and characters. Attention to detail has been applied to the dolls.
The 19” dolls are appropriately clothed with quality easy to wash clothes. Further ‘newborn’ clothes can be bought for the dolls.
Having moulded heads and wispy hair, these therapy dolls are very realistic.
Rated 4.5 Stars by customers (not many ratings given) and almost all positive feedback from customers, suggesting that people have been very happy with the product.
The Alzheimer’s Store based in USA offer fast shipping. Be careful if ordering internationally, as the cost of postage is high.
Someone to Love Dolls are professionally designed specifically for adults with dementia. This product is similar to the above product in that it is a quality product with attention to detail. A realistic 17” long and heavy weighted (3lbs) to resemble a real baby. The dolls clothing is well made and additional newborn clothes can be bought and will fit the doll.
We like that the dolls have a warm welcoming realistic face and that there are nine different dolls to select from covering baby boys and girls as well as different cultures/races.
So far customers have given the product a 5 Star rating, however, there have only been a few reviews. This appears to be a new product line.
The Someone to Love Dolls are in the upper price range, however, at the time of writing this review they were being offered with a good discount by the AlzStore.
The AlzStore, based in USA, are fast with processing and with dispatching orders, however, if you are an international buyer, there will be a hefty postage.
The doll is easy to care for as it can be washed and dried and has been well sewn together. We like that it has a large front pocket on the outfit it wears. Memorabilia can be placed in this pocket for the patient to play with.
The doll is 25” X 12”, with a body that is both weighted and textured with different brightly colored materials gives patients, not only a doll, but something they can manipulate, touch and be excited by the colors.
The Comfort Companion Doll Therapy is a soft and cuddly affordable product, sure to delight people with dementia. This doll is obviously not meant to be lifelike as it is a cloth doll, however, it is perfect for stimulating the senses offering a pleasant experience to dementia patients.
The Ashton Drake Therapy Doll is an Amazon product designed for children (6+ years) as well as adults with Alzheimer’s disease. We selected this product as a low-cost option for our viewers.
The hands, feet and head of the doll are made of vinyl. The body is a cotton cloth. Although the doll looks very lifelike, it lacks the soft skin feature of other dolls due to the vinyl.
The 18” doll has the body and head weighted, helping with it being more lifelike. To help stimulate the patient’s senses there has been a powdered scent added.
The Ashton Therapy Doll is probably more a collectable than a toy. The eyes are fixed open and the company only offers one choice of doll.
We like that the company selling the product gives a small portion of each sale to research into Alzheimer’s. This therapy doll is a lower cost product with a 4.4 Star rating from 53 reviewers, with many very happy purchacers.
Baby Boy Doug is an Amazon product from the Memorable Pets brand, specifically designed for people with dementia. It is a little smaller than other dolls, at 15”. The entire doll is made from quality vinyl.
Being all vinyl, it is easy to wash and clean and patients can take it into the bath or shower. The downside to vinyl, is that the doll won’t feel as soft as dolls made from materials such as silicone. This makes them less lifelike.
The product is lower in cost offering value for those on a budget. Accessories can be bought separately, such as pacifiers and bottle that can be used with the doll.
Customers from 9 reviews have rated the product 4.5 Stars. The company doesn’t offer a selection of dolls to choose from.
The Charex Sleeping Reborn Baby Doll is an Amazon product made more for children, but can certainly be utilized as a therapy doll.
The company offers a boy as well as a girl doll. The doll is a realistic newborn size of 22” and the body has been weighted.
Made from soft vinyl and silicone, with attention to detail to hands and feet (wrinkles and color), the Charex doll has a relatively lifelike look and feel.
Rated 4.3 Stars by 53 reviewers, the doll is popular. The product quality is not high standard, but the price is reflected in this. The doll’s clothing also lesser quality, however, you can buy better quality newborn clothing that will fit this doll.
A 5 piece ensemble of accessories comes with this doll, including a magnetic pacifier that won’t fall out when given to the doll.
The JIZHI Lifelike Reborn Baby Doll has a soft cloth body 17” long. Another Amazon product offering value for the low price. At the time of writing the review it was being advertised with a discount.
The doll’s limbs and head are made from vinyl with a cotton filled body. The designers have given attention to detail with wrinkles on fingers and toes offering a lifelike doll.
The doll conforms to safety requirements with nontoxic materials and non-choking parts suitable for toddlers through to adults.
A range of accessories come with the doll and additional newborn clothing can be bought to fit the doll.
Although limbs and head appear lifelike, the puffy body looks ‘stuffed’ and proportions are out.
The JIZHI Baby Doll is not specifically designed with dementia patients in mind. Although only one choice of product is available to purchase, it is a popular choice with a 4.4 Star rating by 434 reviewers. Many people comment on the product being a good buy for the cost.
We selected the Zero Pam Reborn Baby Doll(Brand: Binxing Toys) to review as it is a full body silicone weighted (3lb) doll offering a more realistic feel for dementia patients. Being silicone the doll can get wet and be taken in the bath or shower, and it is easy to clean.
The non-toxic 18” doll available from Amazon stores is dressed in beautiful outfits. Additional newborn clothing can be bought that will fit the doll.
Having a chubby face, detail such as wrinkles on the toes and fingers, and all the ‘boy’ parts, this doll is very lifelike, feeling and looking like a real baby.
6 accessories come with the product and additional newborn outfits can be bought and will fit this doll.
Detracting aspects of the product were the limited movement of arms and legs (up and down only) and that people who bought the doll commented that the doll wasn’t as robust as other dolls.
The company, who designed this doll more for children than dementia patients, only offer one choice of doll.
Customer reviews give it 4.1Stars from 166 reviewers. Most people were happy with the product. Some mention that the doll feels more ‘vinyl’ than silicone and that the hair wasn’t so realistic.
The Zero Pam Doll is reasonably priced (at the time of this review it was on sale with a significant discount) offering good value.
Our final doll we have selected is the Kaydora Reborn Baby Doll. It is a realistic 22’ long, lifelike sleeping doll sold in Amazon stores for a price at the lower end.
The doll, not specifically designed for dementia patients (a child’s toy) has head and limbs made from silicone and a cotton filled body. The doll has been made to be durable.
Being weighted (3.16lbs) with attention to detail (wrinkles and fingernails), this cute looking baby doll is lifelike to touch and appearance.
Rated 4.5 stars by 968 people, the Kaydora Doll is a popular choice with many positive comments by reviewers. Negative aspects mentioned include: the hair is not well put together, the eyes are fixed open, and the body is over-stuffed- giving it a distorted appearance.
The company offers only one choice of product and it comes with a selection of accessories.
We want to share with you some of Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures to truly understand how much impact this disease has.
There are only a few more diseases that cause more deaths than Alzheimer’s disease.
Thus it’s important to be familiar with its global effect, so you act AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and get appropriate treatment.
10 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts You Should Know
1. Approx. 6.2 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease
This is a startling statistic. It is even more amplified by the fact there are aging adults who are currently undiagnosed and not receiving treatment.
Worldwide, there are already around 50 million people with AD or other types of dementia. The number keeps on expanding by millions a year.
2. Alzheimer’s disease cannot be reversed.
There isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The progressive symptoms of the disease cannot be halted or prevented. Researchers are searching for answers and more viable treatment options.
Planning for palliative care and supportive environments must be an integral part of the conversation for patients and their families.
3. Dementia and Alzheimer are not the same.
Many times, we hear these two terms interchanged as a synonymous disease. They are not the same, but rather dementia is a subset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia is defined as a decline in mental cognition and ability. It is a blanket term for a set of symptoms associated with compromised brain function.
Whereas, Alzheimer’s disease is classically defined as when brain cells progressively die over time that results in memory loss, brain function, cognitive function, and behavior.
Alzheimer’s disease is almost always confirmed at the time of death after analyzing brain tissue.
The clinical findings that assist to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease are tangles or plaques, which act as evidence of damaged brain cells.
Additionally, the causes vary for patients suffering from forms of dementia.
6. Alzheimer’s disease ranked as the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
Wellness efforts have helped decrease preventable diseases and conditions that stem from high blood pressure, obesity, exercise deficiency and poor nutrition.
However, systemic and genetically derived blood and health conditions rank high among those contributing to early morbidity.
Diseases and conditions that are associated with the brain are some of the most difficult to prevent and have zero cure.
Therefore, Alzheimer’s disease is among those that affect don’t have much of a preventable precursor aside from aging.
7. Causes and Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s disease
8. Women are more likely than men to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Several leading experts are opening the conversation about why women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers cite that women in their sixties are two times more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease than breast cancer.
Some of the speculations point to genetics, longevity, and life experience. The questions are out there, and researchers are diving deep to answer them.
We need to stay tuned and see what is revealed in the future regarding possible links between female related risk factors for this disease and others.
9. Vulnerable Populations at Risk for Alzheimer’s disease: Latinos and African Americans.
It is estimated that by 2030, Latinos and African Americans will make up as much as 40% of the 8.4 billion people projected to suffer from Alzheimer’s.
10. Life Expectancy Varies by Individual Case.
The prognosis for patients with Alzheimer’s disease is assessed in the scope of three distinct stages; early stage, middle stage and late stage.
What we know about this disease, is that the presentations and hallmark symptoms are consistently represented in one of these stages.
The disease, unfortunately, is very progressive. While living with Alzheimer’s is possible for an undetermined number of years, the degenerative process isn’t reversible.
The goals for caregivers and families are centered around supportive care and safety protocols.
Early Stage Common Symptomology:
Difficulty naming common things
Forgetting things that were read or written moments before
Conclusion: What does the future hold for Alzheimer’s patients
As a degenerative disease, Alzheimer’s can spark a hefty amount of uncertainty and fear especially, as we begin to age.
It is hard to know what care and treatment options might be available for future generations.
Research efforts are aggressive, and many strides have been made in the way of early detection, drug therapies, and advanced knowledge.
Collectively, the medical community and information hubs like this one serve to present current updates on Alzheimer’s disease news and research.
Bonus: About Alzheimer’s disease facts
Alzheimer’s disease facts- history and hope.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was named based on the work of Alois Alzheimer. In the year of 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed usual brain lesions and clumps taken from a mentally ill woman.
Her condition, which was designated as rare, included symptoms including memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior.
Following her death, an autopsy was conducted.
Dr. Alzheimer found many abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles).
These were the foundation elements that now represent the widely accepted scientific biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.
The brain is something that even researchers agree there is much they just don’t yet understand.
However, through decades of active clinical trials, patient-case anomalies, and advanced technology, the knowledge base is ever-expanding.
We should even be encouraged by this.
Every notable clinical finding serves to introduce new avenues for treatment and early diagnostic techniques.
More importantly, it gives way to enhanced potential for genetic interventions.
We reviewed and examined many studies that found the connection between honey and dementia.
Honey might hold the key to reducing the risk of developing dementia.
While honey is known for its high sugar content, it’s still considered a great alternative to sugar in its conventional form.
It’s also gaining favor for its neuroinflammation action particularly when it comes to the brain’s hippocampus section, which is the part of the brain that is responsible for spatial memory.
That’s why the subject of honey and dementia is INCREASINGLY becoming an area of interest.
The Profile of Honey
Honey has a profile that contains different concentrations of compounds that are beneficial to the body’s wellbeing in general.
The compounds honey contains consist of enzymatic and non-enzymatic groups.
The enzymatic compounds include:
Catalase
Glucose oxidase
Peroxidase
While the non-enzymatic elements include:
Amino acids
Ascorbic Acid
Tocopherol
Proteins
Phenolic Acids
Carotenoids
Flavonoids
Honey also has a decent amount of acetylcholine and choline. Two neurotransmitters that are essential in promoting brain function.
The concentration of these antioxidants is dependent on the specific type of honey. Studies have established correlations between phenolic compounds and flavonoids with honey that has floral origins.
In turn, the phenolic content contained in any honey has an IMPACT on its antioxidant activity.
Some studies on honey and dementia have shown that honey can increase plasma antioxidants in tissues.
Honey has therapeutic and natural antioxidant properties that scientists have found are beneficial in preventing cognitive decline, and ultimately dementia.
According to research, honey can potentially have positive effects when it comes to treating a range of cancers and also reducing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms (see gut health and dementia).
The study took a five-year period concluding in 2008, and researchers focussed their efforts on assessing the impacts that honey had in relation to neurological conditions.
3,000 patients participated in the study, and half the number of participants consumed a daily honey dose.
When the study ended, 489 participants had developed dementia.
95 of the people who had developed dementia were from the group that ate the daily dose of honey.
The rest came out of the group that hadn’t eaten any honey over the duration of the study.
How Honey Can Help Reduce The Risk of Dementia
Yet another study conducted in 2014 on honey and dementia found that honey is loaded with polyphenols which refers to beneficial natural compounds.
Polyphenols were found to reduce the inflammations experienced in the brain while also improvingmemory loss.
The inflammation that occurs in the brain has a link to Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers set out to look into the effects honey had on a range of neurological conditions INCLUDING Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
The conclusion was that honey had strong antibacterial properties that proved helpful in combating the MRSA superbug.
New Zealand produces Manuka honey which originates from the manuka bushes that are pollinated by bees.
The research found that this particular honey gave antibiotics the “nudge” needed to become more effective, and in some instances, even reverse the body’s antibiotic resistance.
Manuka honey also proves helpful in treating strep throat that comes about from an inflammation in the area.
Plus, it assists in stopping the action of bacteria that triggers infection growth.
The Impact of Honey and Dementia In Relation to Oxidative Damage
Research also found that honey consumption could improve overall cognitive function in postmenopausal women.
The study also further assesses the ability of honey to protect the brain against oxidative damage that comes about with aging.
Oxidative damage is observed most in regions of the brain that are known to cause the cognitive dysfunctions seen with Alzheimer’s disease.
Oxidative damage has also been identified as an impediment to the process of transcription and replication of mitochondrial DNA.
In turn, it AFFECTS the biological circulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that assist with countering oxidative stress and maintaining the antioxidant defense systems of the body’s cells.
That is where honey’s antioxidant properties come in again because it can help boost ROS function while also restoring the antioxidant defense system.
Final Thoughts About Honey and Dementia
The studies on honey and dementia found that oxidative stress is one of the aspects that cause neurodegenerative disorders as we age.
The studies also concluded that honey can have a POSITIVE effect as a therapeutic agent to fight against oxidative damage while also slowing down the process of cognitive decline.
Honey supplementation can also boost the antioxidant defense system within the brain cells which in turn helps preserve cognitive ability and brain functions.
However, it’s always best to talk to your doctor first. Too much honey will not necessarily bring better results, so pay close attention.
We reviewed plenty of natural remedies for dementia that affected individuals can try out. These five are amongst the more effective ones.
Keep in mind that there is still no cure for dementia but the natural treatments can come in handy to relieve symptoms, enhance the quality of life, and slow down disease progression.
Here are some of the natural dementia treatments you can try out if you are already living with the illness.
Best Natural Remedies for Dementia
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the spices that has been used for ages to IMPROVE symptoms of aging including oxidation of cells and inflammation.
The yellow powder is said to have magical anti-inflammatory properties.
It is perhaps one of the reasons cases of dementia are low in Asian countries because they not only use it when cooking but turmeric is a key herb in ayurvedic medicines.
Recent studies also show that it can help enhance some dementia symptoms like the ability to focus, memory loss, and pain that arthritis causes.
2. Massage
There is evidence alleging that that massage can help with the management of an array of dementia symptoms.
Massage also helps to promote relaxation as the practitioner manipulates the body’s soft tissues with their hands. There are different types of massages which means that a person can choose the one they enjoy the most.
In many cases, massage is used alongside aromatherapy which is the use of certain essential oils that helps ENHANCE cognition and mood in persons who have dementia.
You can add the oils to a person’s bath, applied directly on the skin, or heated in a burner to release a pleasant aroma.
This is where an individual with dementia gets to take part in group exercises and activities that help to enhance language ability, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Some studies show that CST is most beneficial for persons with mild or moderate dementia.
4. Laughter Yoga
There is truly no exaggeration to the saying “laughter is the best medicine.” Laughter yoga presents some healing properties to persons who are living with dementia.
Participants get to practice deep breathing with physical movements as well as stimulated laughter. It primarily encourages silliness and playfulness which usually leads to contagious real laughter.
The idea was introduced to the world in 1995 by Madan Kataria an Indian doctor. There are MANY BENEFITS that people with dementia get from laughter yoga. This includes improving mood, as well as reducing agitation and anxiety.
Additionally, participants will laugh even when they do not understand the punch line or joke.
5. Routine Physical Exercise
Depending on what a person can do, it is advisable for everyone who has dementia to get up and move. Exercise is one of the most effective natural remedies for dementia.
Working out is also a great way to get rid of excess weight that can also be the cause of an array of health issues. Keep in mind that you should do all these exercises safely and appropriately.
Closing Remarks
When it comes to natural remedies for dementia, it is important to note that some of them may advertise perks that have not yet been proven by clinical studies or scientific research.
It is, therefore, important to contact your doctor before you start taking anything that claims to help with dementia to be on the safe side.
Sturdy and durable
