If you have dementia or know someone with the illness, you may be interested in the topic of art therapy and dementia.
British Association of Art Therapies defines art therapy as a type of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary communication mode.
Persons who engage in art therapy do not need any skill or experience in art.
In most cases, a professional art therapist will steer the art therapy sessions. Their main aim is to help clients use art materials in a safe environment to grow and change on a personal level.
In the past, paintings and drawings have been categorized as a useful part of therapeutic processes within psychological and psychiatric specialties.
How does Art Therapy Help Dementia
Now that you have an idea of what art therapy is, let us get into some of the reasons persons with dementia will benefit from art therapy.
Art Therapy Stimulates the Brain
Art projects create an avenue where patients with dementia can express their creativity in a fun and relaxed manner.
This can help to stir memories and at times it can even encourage speech. Some studies confirm that art therapy activities can help boost cognitive function in several areas of the brain.
This, in turn, helps to enhance the functions of the brain, communication, and social interactions.
Engages Individuals in a Myriad of Activities
When it comes to art therapy and dementia, ill persons get a chance to engage in tons of activities that can help create pleasant experiences and memorable moments.
Nowadays, art activities go beyond drawing on blackboards of papers.
Participants can enjoy other fun activities, like:
Using dough or clay for sculpting
Paint by numbers
Painting using watercolors
Pencil or charcoal drawing
Creating jewelry
Making cards
Being part of community art projects and much more
These art activities help relieve stress, stimulate senses, and boost hand strength.
Art therapy has a way of making somebody with dementia laugh, smile, move, or speak which is great especially when it comes from non-verbal seniors.
They can also create a sense of accomplishment and purpose as many persons usually feel proud and fulfilled after finishing one of their creations.
Experts believe that when persons with dementia take part in art activities, it can help regulate mood and help them express themselves in a comfortable and safe environment.
Negative emotions are reduced significantly when someone with dementia takes part in artistic activities.
Additionally, impaired individuals can strengthen self-control through free-form creations which ultimately helps to improve their quality of life reducing incidences of psychological and behavioral symptoms.
This is another reason why it is important to look into art therapy and dementia seriously.
Enhances Social Skills and Communication
Through art therapy, caregivers understand the inner world of persons with dementia better, thus, improve communication with them.
In group settings, individuals with dementia get a chance to express themselves not only to the art therapist but their peers as well as helping improve their social skills.
This is because they can form good interpersonal relationships where they no longer have to suffer the negative consequences of social isolation.
Studies focusing on art therapy and dementia revealed that even those with severe dementia were able to strengthen their sense of belonging in a group after voluntarily engaging in coloring activities under caregiver guidance.
The individuals with the illness enhance their social skills by focusing more on eye contact and the exchange of body contact.
It is also common for patients with dementia to become more vocally active when they are participating in art topics they are familiar with.
This is because the topics may stimulate pleasant past memories which trigger their interest in specific art activities, hence promoting social skills and self-expression.
Helps Alleviate Caregiver Burden
Taking care of people who have dementia is quite challenging. This is especially because there is no textual description of how the disease progresses. The condition will also not affect all persons identically.
Carers must, therefore, examine for subtle changes in the persons they are looking after when their communication abilities start to diminish.
With art therapy, caregivers can know the proper steps to take when offering care depending on how the individual behaves while engaging in various activities.
For instance, abrupt changes in art style may be an indication of further progression of the illness.
During group sessions, caregivers also get a chance to interact with each other where they can get emotional support as they share pointers on care experiences.
Closing Thoughts
It is undeniable that there are a lot of positive things that persons with dementia get when they participate in art therapy.
In addition to opening up a new effective communication channel as well as reduce negative emotions, art activities can also help strengthen and develop fine motor skills through hand and brain coordination.
Studies are also going on concerning the benefits of art therapy and dementia.
When looking into new treatments for persons with dementia, bright light therapy and dementia is one of the topics currently getting a lot of attention.
Standford Health Care explains that bright light therapy is one of the treatments used to manage circadian rhythm disorders.
What is Light Therapy for Dementia?
Originally, it was intended for persons who were suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
According to Sleep Education, the human body has an internal clock that signals it when it is time to be awake, and when it’s time to sleep.
We find the clock in the SCN, an area of brain above the section where nerves travel to the eyes.
This clock is responsible for controlling a person’s “circadian rhythm.” The rhythms include the daily cycle of numerous hormones, alertness, and temperature.
“Circadian” implies to occur in a 24-hour cycle.
Circadian rhythm sleep disorder is common with dementia
We should mention that circadian rhythms make a person alert or sleepy at regular times daily.
Dementia refers to a group of progressive neurological symptoms and conditions that are characterized by an ongoing decline in a person’s cognitive abilities including thinking, memory, behavior, and communication.
It usually ends up affecting a person’s abilities to participate in daily living activities.
This implies that they can benefit from light therapy that can help shift sleeping patterns into what is considered normal.
Check out some of the benefits of bright light therapy for persons with dementia below.
Benefits of Bright Light Therapy
In regards to bright light therapy and dementia, experts state that light therapy can help individuals with dementia.
Most people with dementia may experience sleep issues at some point in the illness.
This is because dementia can destroy the area of the brain that is responsible for the wake-sleep cycle.
A well-conducted but small study revealed promising effects on disturbed sleep as well as restlessness for individuals with dementia.
Another study showed that bright light therapy administered in the morning can help treat sleep disorders in persons with dementia.
According to this study, this is the time the therapy entertains circadian rhythm to reduce interference with the sleep-wake cycle.
Yet another research measuring the combination of walking and bright light therapy reported significant improvements in sleeping habits when bright light therapy and walking were practiced every day.
Combination of melatonin and dementia
Some researchers also looking into bright light therapy and dementia also studied the combination of the use of melatonin with bright light therapy.
The experts observed that all the participants who had dementia experienced better sleep cycles after exposure to bright light therapy.
Interestingly, the results were not similar after combining melatonin and bright light therapy.
A larger, well-conducted research review reported that bright light therapy can help reduce sleeping during the daytime and increase night-time sleeping.
Multiple other studies also showed that bright light therapy can be used to normalize the wake-sleep pattern.
Additionally, light therapy also has the potential to treat aggressive behavior in persons with dementia.
Some studies also state that bright light therapy can help reduce depression in people who have dementia.
Note that depression is one of the most common symptoms of dementia.
Other perks that persons with dementia can get from bright light therapy include:
Reduced Wandering
Some research indicates that bright light therapy in addition to enhancing the sleep-wake cycle also helps to reduce wandering for people with dementia at night.
Enhanced Cognition
Bright light therapy has also been associated with better scores on the Mini-Mental State Exam. This is one of the most common tests for measuring cognitive abilities.
Persons with vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were subjected to bright light therapy and they ended up demonstrating improved scores on their cognitive abilities tests.
This was in comparison to no changes in the scores when the same group was exposed to dim light therapy.
A similar study reported better cognitive functioning after exposure to bright light therapy. However, this was for people with early-stage AD as opposed to those with middle or late-stage Alzheimer’s.
Improved Behavioral Functioning
One study reported participants with dementia showcased improvement in various challenging behaviors.
However, another study compared levels of agitation of individuals with dementia after exposure to light therapy and stated that there was no difference.
How is Bright Light Therapy Administered?
When it comes to bright light therapy and dementia, the person with the illness sits in front of a lightbox that offers around 5-30 times more light than what the average office light emits. In most cases, the lightbox will emit about 10,000 lux of light.
This happens for a set time daily.
Keep in mind that it is important to consult a physician before starting light therapy. This is because there are a few cases where the therapy may not be appropriate.
Incorporating Light Therapy into the Routine of a Person with Dementia
There are times when it may not be easy to incorporate light therapy into the routine of a person with dementia.
Below are a few case scenarios you may be presented with, in regards to using bright light therapy and dementia and how you can solve them.
When a person becomes agitated in front of the lightbox, you may want to use verbal reassurance. If this does not work end the session and gradually introduce it until they become used to it.
Sometimes, an individual with this progressive illness does not want to sit in front of the light. In this instance, you can try focusing their attention on you. Start a pleasant conversation and hold their hands so that they can feel comfortable during the session.
When a person is easily distracted try and schedule the therapy when they are having breakfast. This will help speed up the process of becoming part of their routine.
Closing Remarks
Although some studies confirm that bright light therapy is beneficial to some people with dementia more studies focusing on bright light therapy and dementia still need to be conducted.
This will help to offer more conclusive results so that medics, caregivers, and persons with the illness can know how light therapy will benefit them.
Now, to be clear, viewing nature will not cure dementia. There are still no cures for most causes of dementia. But is there evidence that viewing nature improves dementia?
But what improves dementia’s symptoms improves dementia.
Science has proven time and again that viewing images of nature improves many factors that worsen dementia’s distressing symptoms.
The Importance of Getting Outside, Nature & Dementia
These types of excess disabilities make it harder for people with dementia to function at their best. They can increase confusion, agitation, restlessness and impact sleep.
Unfortunately, when any one of these things falls out of balance it will often disrupt the others as well.
For example, if someone feels anxious it can impact their sleep.
When sleep is disturbed, fatigue increases.
As fatigue increases, the ability to think, function and process information decreases.
This can easily lead to an increase in anxiety, agitated behavior and/or restlessness.
Restlessness can contribute to falls, injuries and pain.
Pain can lead to more restlessness, sleep disturbance, medication, anxiety and greater fall risk.
Medication can lead to constipation which can lead to increased restlessness, sleep disturbance, agitation, anxiety and appetite loss.
Appetite loss can lead to weight loss, weakness, decreased functioning and falls.
Symptoms can quickly spiral out of control and it can be hard to untangle the causes from the effects.
To the extent possible, a key goal in dementia care is to reduce “causes” and minimize effects.
So, when science shows us that viewing plants and scenes of nature can alleviate pain, anxiety, depression and stress we can see how this will effectively improve the symptoms of dementia – although more accurately we’re reducing excess disabilities that worsen dementia’s symptoms thereby allowing the person to function closer to their true baseline capability.
Hospitals are great places to study pain, stress and anxiety
Hospital patients, with their detailed records and controlled experience, are great fodder for study.
Hospital stays and procedures are known to be stressful, and contribute to anxiety. This makes them a great way to study the effects of plants on health outcomes, and there is no shortage of such studies.
View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery
One of the most cited studies occurred in1984 when Roger Ulrich examined whether the view through the window made a difference to the recovery of post-surgical patients.
Some rooms in the hospital overlooked a grove of trees, while others overlooked a brick wall. The rooms were nearly identical other than the view.
Patients went through the same gallbladder surgery and were matched on multiple factors, including age, gender, and health status.
The findings showed a statistically significant difference in:
1. The frequency and strength of pain medication required
The tree-view group required significantly less, and less potent, pain medication than the control group.
2. Length of hospital stay
The tree-view group was able to leave the hospital an average of a full day earlier than the brick wall-view group.
3. Fewer “negative” experiences
Nurse notes were reviewed for all patients. The group with the brick wall-view had over 3 times as many negative notes (such as “upset and crying” or “needs much encouragement” than the tree-view group who had more positive notes (like “In good spirits” and “moving well”).
Since 1984, thousands of studies have built on and expanded Dr. Ulrich’s research into an enormous body of research.
Although it wouldn’t be possible to cover them all here, we can take a closer look at a sampling of key studies.
Measuring the Benefits of Indoor Plants and Flowers
Live plants enhance health outcomes of patients recovering from surgery
In 2009, this study showed that post-surgical patients in hospital rooms with plants and flowers had a significantly improved physiological recovery response and felt better about their rooms and the hospital staff caring for them.
90 patients recovering from the same hemorrhoid surgery were randomly assigned to similar rooms either with or without live plants.
Researchers measured patients’ vital signs, length of hospital stay, pain medication used, ratings of pain intensity, distress, anxiety and fatigue.
They found that patients in rooms with live plants showed significantly lower systolic blood pressure, and less pain, stress, anxiety and fatigue than the control group.
They also rated their room satisfaction higher and reported more positive impressions of the hospital care staff.
Live plants enhance recovery and mood; reduce pain, anxiety and fatigue
This study in 2016 shows multiple benefits of live plants to post-surgical patients’ mood and recovery.
Patients in rooms with plants reported less pain, anxiety and fatigue than those in the control group.
They also were noted to have increased mood, social activity, friendly behavior towards others, and positive feelings in general.
They described their rooms to be more calming, soothing and satisfying than the control group.
There are hundreds of more studies showing similar effects of plants and flowers on health, stress, anxiety, pain and mood.
A number of studies examine the effect of simply viewing fresh-cut flowers or live plants in a room.
Viewing fresh flowers invokes relaxation and improves mood
Researchers in 2014 confirmed physiological and psychological relaxing effects of cut fresh roses in a room.
In another study in 2017 researchers measured a significant relaxation response after participants viewed fresh roses for three minutes. The control group viewed no stimulus.
The physiological and psychological relaxation response was determined by measuring participants’ oxyhemoglobin levels, heart rate and heart rate variability.
A mood profile and semantic differential were also used, which showed a significant elevation in mood and an increase in feeling ‘natural’, ‘comfortable’ and ‘relaxed ’.
And, in case you had any doubt: receiving flowers is actually scientifically proven to enhance mood! It also enhances both social behavior and memory.
Receiving flowers improves mood, social behavior and memory
A series of studies in 2005, showed that people benefit in multiple ways from receiving flowers. People were presented with either flowers or a non-flower gift such as pens, candles or fruit.
The control gifts all had the same economic value, a pleasant odor, similar color variation and were wrapped similarly for presentation.
The results showed that that both women and men, young and old, showed improved mood, positive social behaviors and episodic memory after receiving flowers.
The social behaviors that were measured included initiation of conversations, eye contact, and standing at a more familiar social proximity. Non-flower gifts elicited less or no improvement in these areas.
These improvements were measured both immediately and weeks later, demonstrating a lasting effect on mood, social behavior and memory.
Live plants induce relaxation
In 2016, researchers studied men performing the same task – transferring pots for three minutes – with and without plants present. When live plants were present, the participants relaxed.
This was determined by significant differences in key physiological and psychological measurements, such as prefrontal cortex activity, heart rate variability and mood profile.
Images of Nature on Screens are also Effective
Viewing nature imagery on a screens induces relaxation and positive emotional response
In 2007, researchers found that individuals felt significantly less stressed, more friendly, playful and elated, and less fearful after viewing slide images of nature rather than urban scenes.
In 2018, researchers found significant evidence that viewing forest imagery induces physiological and psychological relaxation. Participants viewed images of either a forest landscape or a cityscape on a high definition television set.
After viewing forest imagery, participants’ oxyhemoglobin levels were decreased and they reported feeling much more “comfortable”, “relaxed” and “natural”.
Awe-inspiring images of nature can be especially potent
In 2014, researchers investigated whether there was any effect, or difference in effect, on people viewing mundane pictures of nature versus awe-inspiring scenes.
Images were shown on a computer screen and were grouped into three categories: awesome nature (such as grand mountain scenes or powerful storms), mundane nature (like grass, foliage or trees) and a control group (featuring objects like buckets, ladders or chairs).
Both types of nature images invoked significantly more feelings of being connected to others, feeling more caring and more spiritual than the control condition.
Both groups of nature images invoked an improved mood, more marked in the awesome images. The awesome images also lead to participants making more prosocial choices.
Photographs and Paintings of Nature can Reduce Stress and Improve Attention
Exposure to natural landscape art reduces anger and stress in males
A study in 2008 showed a significant reduction in anger and stress in males (but not females) when nature landscape art posters were displayed versus abstract art posters.
Participants were asked to perform frustrating tasks on a computer and then report their anger and stress levels.
In the natural landscape settings, the males in the experiment reported less stress and anger – the more natural landscapes were present, the less stress and anger was reported.
Viewing plants, or pictures of plants, reduces stress
In 2012, researchers found that people who viewed real plants and those who viewed images of plants experienced a reduction in stress as compared to the control group, which viewed none.
Viewing pictures of nature improves attention
In 2013, this study showed that viewing pictures of nature significantly improved executive attention in both older and younger adults, as opposed to pictures of urban scenes.
Viewing photos of natural scenery reduces impulsivity
The environment which included a prominent water feature was noted to be an especially powerful stress reliever.
Ceilings with sky images may support healthier dreaming and circadian rhythm
This 2014 study examined which differences in brain activity as measured by magnetic resonance imaging would be noted in hospital rooms with traditional ceilings and identical rooms which had sky images painted on the ceilings.
The rooms with sky compositions activated regions of the brain associated with spatial cognition, circadian rhythm, perceived motion and dreaming.
The plain-ceiling rooms activated regions related to facial processing and potential visual hallucinations.
Nature and Daylight Improves Mood and Reduces Stress
This 2018 study established positive effects of exposure to nature and daylight throughout everyday life on one’s mood and level of stress.
Viewing natural scenery promotes relaxation and enhances mood
In 2015, this study added to the body of evidence that seeing a natural forest landscape in person produced physiological and psychological relaxation and enhanced mood as compared to viewing an urban landscape.
Looking at a garden relieves stress and improves verbalization and memory in dementia
In 2018, researchers found that simply seeing a garden relieved physiological stress and improved verbalization and memory in people with advanced dementia.
The Conclusions are Clear: Viewing Images of Nature Improves Dementia
Study after study has added to the body of evidence: seeing plants or images of nature offers substantial benefits to people with dementia.
Whether it’s a photograph, a television program, a view through a window or seeing it live and in person, viewing nature is an effective way to enhance the quality of life for people with dementia.
It can reduce pain, anxiety and stress, promote relaxation, improve mood and enhance mental functioning in many ways.
Adding live plants or images of nature into the environment for someone with dementia is an effective, and low-cost way to help them function at their best.
One of the most prominent topics that come up when talking about dementia treatment therapies and approaches has got to be dance therapy and dementia.
According to the American Dance Therapy Association, dance therapy or DMT is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual integration of an individual.
The therapy supports that body, mind, and spirit are connected and that humans should be treated in a way that supports the integration of all three.
This versatile type of therapy is also founded on the idea that emotion and motion are interconnected.
How does dancing help dementia?
Many experts recommend dance therapy for persons who have the neurodegenerative disease.
It can maintain or even improve cognitive function and memory at times.
The therapy stimulates memories and offers reminiscence opportunities. It also offers other perks such as:
Helps with Communication
Dance therapy has been known to encourage communication, engagement, and offer an outlet for self-expression.
Dancing can help persons express non-verbal behaviors, body language, and regulate emotions.
This is something that can sharpen communication skills as a person becomes more social, confident, and attentive to others.
It especially helps persons with dementia who tend to withdraw socially.
Moreover, it can brighten up their lives when they meet up with a group of people who are facing the same challenges to do something fun and meaningful with their lives.
Strengthens Body and Mind Connection
Another perk you should be aware of when it comes to dance therapy and dementia is that it helps to eliminate or reduce problematic behaviors that are a result of the neurodegenerative disease.
This can include symptoms like agitation which arise when people with dementia feel frustrated because of their changing abilities.
The therapy is not only reassuring, but it also helps to boost self-esteem and self-confidence while making a person feel calmer.
Enhances Mood and Reduces Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
A randomized controlled trial done on the effects of physical exercise and psychophysiological dance movement therapy on seniors with mild dementia reveals that the therapy helps to decrease loneliness, depression, and negative mood significantly.
The trial recruited 204 elderly persons that had a positive mild dementia diagnosis.
Researchers followed the group for over 12 months after they completed self-report questionnaires on daily functioning, psychosocial well-being, salivary cortisol measures, and neurocognitive assessments.
Builds Motor-Skills
When people with dementia take some time to enjoy dance therapy, it can help with coordination and balance which builds motor skills.
It can also help with maintaining motor functioning for the persons suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
All this is thanks to the physical component of dance therapy that helps to increase coordination, muscle strength, and mobility.
It also helps to reduce muscular tension.
Promotes Relaxation
The therapy is great for relaxation because it helps to increase endorphins in the brain.
As a result of this, it helps the suffering individuals experience rhythmic movements and a sense of well-being which can make people feel more relaxed.
Improves Quality of Life
Another New Zealand pilot study touching on dance therapy and dementia also supports the idea that dance therapy has a positive effect on persons with dementia.
The researchers published their findings in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias.
They stated that seniors with dementia seem to experience an improved quality of life after being exposed to dance and music.
Researchers from the Department of Psychological Medicine and the Department of Dance used natural gestures as well as familiar reminiscent music on a group of 22 participants to come up with an original dance exercise series.
Ting Choo the lead author and Dance Studies Masters graduate explained that their aim of the study was to offer social interaction, mood moderation, and mental stimulation in a bid to improve quality of life for persons with dementia.
The researchers scheduled 10 weekly sessions offering imagination, intuition, and humor which encouraged participants to interact and dance with joy.
The findings revealed that the participants positively responded to the music and showed enthusiasm in moving to the beats in spite of their physical limitations.
During each session, the researchers observed that there was a positive response concerning spontaneous dancing, memory recalling, and joking among the participants.
Choo noted that music stimulates better response when compared to verbal instructions when dealing with individuals who are immobile and passive.
Based on the results, researchers now plan to expand their pilot study to cater for the conditions and the participants in a better way.
Choo hopes that further research can attract more support from the community.
Closing Remarks
Going through the above benefits, it is clear why dementia and dance therapy is an essential topic to discuss.
The therapy does not only involve dancing but rhythm playing, singing, physical exercise, and other fun structured musical activities that are beneficial to persons with dementia.
The healing power of plants and nature has been realized for centuries. The last several decades of scientific research has yielded overwhelming evidence of its efficacy. In this article we look at the benefits of a therapeutic indoor garden for dementia.
Gardening, and interaction with live plants, is very beneficial to the physical, mental and social health of human beings.
This is happy news for all humans, but it’s especially exciting for people with certain hard-to-treat health conditions, such as dementia.
Therapeutic Gardening for People With Dementia
While there is still no cure for most types of dementia, gardening has been proven to offer a very effective method of relieving some of dementia’s distressing symptoms including:
Furthermore, gardening and interaction with plants has been shown to improve the quality of life for people with dementia by:
Enhancing their general well-being
Improving their level of functioning
Reducing their use of psychotropic medication
Decreasing their incidence of serious falls
Interaction with plants benefits people with dementia
Sensory stimulating interaction with plants has been determined to be therapeutic to people living with dementia.
Tactile stimulation, or touching live plants, has been shown to promote psychological feelings of relaxation along with a physiological calming response in the body.
Indoor gardening can bring about many desirable health outcomes
Indoor gardening can be especially effective when working with a certified horticulture therapist – but even without one, the benefits of simply interacting with plants can be profound.
A therapeutic indoor garden can be any size. Each garden is as unique as the individual for which it was created.
How to create a therapeutic indoor garden for someone with dementia
Ideally, you can start by selecting an assortment of sensory-stimulating plants. Look for colorful flowers, interesting foliage and pleasant aromas.
However, don’t worry if this isn’t possible or practical – even a single plant can be therapeutic. For some individuals, or in some circumstances, a single plant might be a better choice than a whole garden.
There aren’t too many rules or restrictions when it comes to indoor dementia gardens, but there are a few.
1. Plants and any additives should be non-toxic
Double check every plant for toxicity before including it.
Many people don’t realize, for example, that poinsettias are poisonous. Lilies, ivy, philodendron, jade and oleander are other common poisonous houseplants, and there are many more.
There shouldn’t be much need for insecticides or other additives in an indoor garden.
If you apply fertilizer or any other substance, avoid a potential crisis by taking proper precautions.
Keep all chemicals or substances securely put away when not in use.
Read labels thoroughly to understand any potential dangers associated with anything you use.
Err on the safe side; assume that any part of every plant could be ingested and plan accordingly.
2. Avoid thorns, stickers and other sharp points or edges
Avoid thorny roses, prickly cacti and other sharp plants that may cause injury or discomfort.
Also, be aware of sharp points or edges on the garden tools. It may be okay for an experienced gardener with dementia to use a familiar tool, even if it is sharp.
There is something extremely therapeutic about using familiar items!
However, depending on the person’s situation, it may not be safe or appropriate for them to use particular tools or items.
Use good judgment to determine the risks and benefits of the person using a potentially dangerous item.
Since people who have dementia often experience ups and downs from day to day, it’s possible that using an item could be unsafe one day but not the next.
Re-evaluate the safety of the situation daily or as needed.
In most cases, any sharp tools should be kept secured when unsupervised.
3. Expect interaction and recognize success
Be sure to set up the garden so that the person can interact with it to the extent desired.
This may mean frequent handling, overwatering or other behavior that might actually not be in the best interest of the plants themselves.
If possible, select hardy plants that will tolerate the amount of care – or neglect – they are likely to receive.
Get creative to create success
If the person will be watering the plant or garden, find a small watering can that won’t get too heavy when full.
This can also keep flooding to a minimum if the person enjoys watering the plants frequently.
Another solution to potential over-watering could be to ensure plants have plenty of drainage. Elevate them with pebbles above extra-large drip-trays so they aren’t soaking in overflow.
Alternatively, it could be as simple as putting up a sign that says “Already Watered” – or finding plants that love lots of water!
Opting for a hydroponic system could be another solution.
Knowing the person and their needs, and then tailoring solutions accordingly will lead to the best successes.
It’s important to keep perspective on the goal of this garden: for the person to engage with it.
Don’t worry about imperfection if it would discourage the person with dementia from interacting with the garden.
If the person is engaging with the garden, it is a success!
There are many ways that a person with dementia can interact or engage with the garden.
Depending on their interests and abilities, any of the following activities may be very therapeutic engagement:
Choosing which plants, or types of plants, to grow
Sharing their opinions, experience or thoughts about the garden
Reminiscing about past gardening or plant experience
Using hands or a gardening spade to fill pots with soil
Planting seeds or starts
Watching the plants develop
Simply sitting near the indoor garden
Smelling, touching or looking at the fruit, flowers or foliage
Watering the plants
Deadheading flowers, harvesting, pruning or providing other care
Picking the plants (even at “non-traditional” or “non-ideal” times)
Any other activity not listed above that allows the person to enjoy, experience or interact with the garden area or individual plants is also considered a success.
4. Find the right light
Find a suitable location to start a garden
A sunny south-facing window is perfect. If that’s not available, adding a grow light can help. Grow lights are designed to simulate sunlight. They can even enable plants to grow year-round.
Consider a countertop hydroponic system for simplicity and ease
Another alternative to consider may be a self-contained countertop hydroponic system. These systems are designed to make gardening extremely easy and successful.
“Hydroponic” means that the plants grow without soil – just water, light and nutrients. Basically, all that is required in many of these systems is to drop a seed into a designated area and then ensure that the device’s water reservoir is kept full.
They usually provide nutrient tablets to drop into the water every couple of weeks or so.
All in all, these systems tend to require very little work for a countertop full of fresh herbs, greens, strawberries, or other lush plant life.
Keep safety foremost in mind
If using a grow light or other electrical devices in a dementia garden, take extra care to be sure that any light bulbs or cords are handled safely.
Look for LED grow lights when possible, which emit less heat than their counterparts.
Be sure cords are kept well out of walkways. Taping them into place may be a good idea, depending on the particular set up.
5. Choose good plant candidates
Select plants that are non-toxic and not sharp. If possible, find plants that stimulate the senses, memories or both.
Most of all, don’t worry too much about getting everything “right.” Just enjoy the experience, and ensure that the person with dementia does too.
That being said, the following is a list of some generally good candidates for an indoor dementia garden.
Lavender
This lovely flowering plant has a pleasant aroma and phytochemicals known to promote relaxation. It needs a lot of heat and light to thrive.
Herbs
Edible, aromatic and purposeful! Using herbs in cooking may even help to stimulate an appetite.
Basil likes its soil to be kept moist while oregano, thyme and rosemary prefer less frequent watering. All of these herbs enjoy warm sunny conditions.
Mint, parsley and chives fare well with lower levels of heat and sunlight.
Jasmine
This pretty vine boasts small white flowers with a strong sweet aroma that can easily fill a room. It can be grown indoors in a partly sunny location where temperatures remain on the cooler side. They prefer growing in moist soil on a trellis or support.
Lemon balm
Lemon balm has a strong sweet lemony aroma. It prefers lots of light and well-drained soil. It can be enjoyed as cuttings in a vase or bouquet. Moreover, lemon balm has long been prized for its medicinal properties. Among other things lemon balm is known for calming the mind, improving mood and enhancing cognitive function.
Spider plant
Appreciated by many for their ability to survive without much sun or attention, spider plants are among the easiest houseplants to grow.
African violet
African violets are popular houseplants due to their velvety leaves and pretty purple flowers. They can blossom year-round under the right conditions. They prefer indirect light and are sensitive to overwatering.
Hoya
Also known as a wax plant, honey plant or wax vine, hoyas are popular hanging or climbing houseplants. They are pretty, hardy and low maintenance. They tolerate various lighting conditions but grow best and produce flowers in bright light. Avoid overwatering.
Baby rubber plant
Another easy to grow houseplant, the baby rubber plant prefers moderate light and somewhat cooler temperatures. It doesn’t like to be overwatered, but it does appreciate humidity. Misting it regularly would make a good activity.
Lettuce, kale or salad greens
These grow quickly and easily in a sunny location.
Scallions
Also known as green onions, these aromatic plants grow quickly in bright sunlight. They take longer from seed, but can be regrown from kitchen scraps within days or weeks simply by placing the roots in water or soil. Cut off the green tops for cooking or eating and the plant will continue to grow.
There are countless more good choices of what to grow in your unique indoor dementia garden.
How will an indoor garden affect your loved one’s life?
There are so many reasons to grow an indoor garden with, or for, someone with dementia.
Science has proven it with countless studies, but what really matters are the effects each individual sees in his or her own life.
Even if you have access to an outdoor garden, having plants indoors as well will only increase the therapeutic benefits.
There are a variety of ways doctors can test cognitive function in a person with dementia.
Often, a patient or a family member has picked up on clues that there is a problem with cognition.
However, are there ways to formally and objectively assess this?
The answer is, yes; there are a host of cognitive tests for dementia that range from simple bedside tests that take a few minutes to perform to in-depth neuropsychiatric testing that can take a few hours.
While imaging of the brain (MRI, CT, PET) can provide insights into brain structure and some types of brain imaging can even show metabolic and blood flow function, cognitive tests directly observe performance in certain domains and remain essential in the diagnosis of dementia.
In this article, we will describe what these tests are and how they affect the diagnosis and testing for dementia.
What Type of Doctor does Tests for Dementia?
These tests can be done by a primary care doctor or internist; often times they are also done by neurologists and psychologists.
Sometimes they are done to diagnose dementia; they can also be used to track dementia over time.
Types of Tests for Dementia
The first type of tests are called mental status scales.
These are short (<15 minutes) bedside tests administered by the doctor that assess memory and other cognitive domains.
They provide a score, which is used to distinguish people with normal vs. impaired cognition and even screen for mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Examples of the most widely used include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
These are screening tests, meaning they are not diagnostic of any particular dementia or diagnosis, but when abnormal definitely can hint that cognition is impaired.
Moreover, these tests can be repeated over time to track the progression of the disease as well.
These tests assess memory, language, executive function, visuospatial skills, and attention/concentration.
MMSE test
The MMSE is scored on a 30 point scale. Specific items include orientation (10 points), memory (6 points), attention/concentration (5 points), language (8 points), and visuospatial function (1 point). A score of <23 is abnormal and indicates cognitive impairment.
It assesses delayed word recall/memory (5 points), visuospatial function (7 points, includes clock-drawing), language (6 points), attention/concentration (6 points), and orientation (6 points). A score of <25 is abnormal and indicates significant cognitive impairment.
Another similar test is the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) which is scored similarly.
All three of these tests are widely available and free to use.
Alternative shorter tests
There are several shorter tests (<5 minutes) that are frequently used in busy primary care settings as a screener for cognitive impairment.
A famous one is the clock drawing test (CDT) where the patient is asked to draw a clock and set the hands to a specific time.
This quickly and efficiently tests visuospatial abilities, executive function, motor execution, attention, language comprehension and numerical knowledge.
The CDT is interpreted as normal or abnormal.
Another popular test is the Mini-Cog, which includes remembering three unrelated words told to the patient in addition to the clock drawing test.
There are more in-depth cognitive tests that take longer (>15 minutes) and these include the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropsychological Battery (CERAD-NP).
This takes about 30 minutes to administer, and can specifically identify cognitive deficits characteristic of mild Alzheimer’s dementia.
Another test, called the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE), is also specifically designed for Alzheimer’s dementia and tracking progress.
Neuropsychological testing
Lastly, there is formal neuropsychological or neuropsychiatric testing which is very in-depth and is useful in patients who meet criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or patients who score normally on the basic screening tests above but still have subtle or persistent cognitive symptoms.
This is not useful in advanced dementia.
After all, the testing requires the patient to be able to participate in complex tasks and questioning.
Neuropsychological testing can take up to six hours to complete and is not always required as part of a dementia evaluation.
It can be useful when tracking mild cognitive impairment over time to see if a patient is worsening or improving, before actually reaching the cognitive impairment threshold for dementia.
For the most part, the short tests are easy to access and are available online both to the general public and to doctors.
Most primary doctors are familiar with the MMSE and MOCA and may even perform them in their daily practice.
The formal, longer tests such as formal neuropsychological testing require a referral from your doctor to a center that performs such tests.
After these examinations, the doctor performing the tests will be able to interpret the results and categorize them into either “normal” or “abnormal” results.
Within “abnormal” results the doctor can distinguish whether dementia is mild, moderate, or severe. With certain tests, the different subtypes of dementia can be discovered as well (Alzheimer’s vs other types).
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many facets towards a diagnosis of dementia; aside from history taking, physical examination, and brain imaging, there are a host of cognitive tests for dementia that are described above.
These range from short tests that only take a few minutes, to longer tests that can take up to several hours.
Each kind of test has a different purpose. It’s doctors (specifically neurologists) that may refer to different cognitive tests to evaluate for dementia.
::
References
Geldmacher DS, Whitehouse PJ. Evaluation of dementia. N Engl J Med 1996; 335:330.
Tsoi KK, Chan JY, Hirai HW, et al. Cognitive Tests to Detect Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med 2015; 175:1450.
Jacobs DM, Sano M, Dooneief G, et al. Neuropsychological detection and characterization of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology 1995; 45:957.
After numerous studies, it shows that horticulture therapy for dementia can bring very positive results.
The term “Horticultural Therapy” is often used to refer to the myriad of beneficial effects that people with dementia (or other diagnoses) reap simply by interacting with nature.
Horticultural Therapy in Patients With Dementia
Interaction with plants and nature creates an astounding array of therapeutic benefits to human health and wellness.
Horticultural therapy is firmly rooted in the past
Although the idea of horticultural therapy may be new to some, the practice is not.
Using exposure to nature to promote healing dates back thousands of years to the earliest known civilizations, including the Mesopotamians and the Persians.
In the 1800’s doctors in the United States and Europe began prescribing time in the garden for certain patients. Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, was a big proponent of the healing effect of gardens.
By the mid-1900s horticultural therapy was being more widely used to aid the rehabilitation of military veterans. In 1972 the first formal degree programs were established and in 1976 the first PhD in horticultural therapy was awarded.
The benefits of horticulture therapy have been scientifically proven time and again
Scientists have studied horticultural therapy rigorously over the past several decades. This has led to an overwhelming abundance of evidence that interaction with nature leads to a marked improvement in physical, emotional and social health.
These improvements in health have been researched and confirmed for seniors and people of all ages. They have been proven for people with dementia and countless other conditions.
Studies specific to the benefits of horticulture therapy for dementia abound
Many research studies focus specifically on how horticultural therapy affects dementia and its symptoms.
Additionally, abundant research demonstrates profound positive benefits to elders in areas such as relief of pain, stress, anxiety and depression.
Conditions such as pain and anxiety are very common in people with dementia. These conditions tend to exacerbate, or worsen, dementia symptoms such as behavioral changes, restlessness, agitation and confusion.
When these conditions have been relieved or prevented, people with dementia not only feel better, they can also function better. They can enjoy a higher degree of independence, think more clearly and behave more calmly.
Each individual research study tends to focus on one particular area of nature exposure, such as gardening, grounding or forest bathing.
Gardening
Spending time or working in a garden setting is known to be extremely helpful for mental and physical health. It’s even been proven to reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life.
Increase feelings of satisfaction, well-being and quality of life
Improve mood
Enhance a person’s connection with community
Improve cognitive function
Reduce stress
Diminish anger
Lower levels of agitation
Relieve depression and anxiety
Increase energy and reduce fatigue
Decrease inappropriate behaviors
Reduce usage of medications for agitation
Reduce number of falls and fall severity
These beneficial effects tend to be noticeable immediately after spending time in the garden setting, and then persist for weeks or months afterward.
Wander gardens
Wander gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years for people with dementia. They can often be found near memory care communities and healthcare facilities.
These gardens are thoughtfully and purposefully designed to provide a safe and calming environment for people with dementia to experience nature actively or passively.
Wander gardens typically feature winding wheelchair-friendly pathways with occasional benches. There are often shaded areas to sit and enjoy the birdsong or soft rustle of leaves in the pleasant afternoon breeze.
There is usually an array of colorful non-toxic plants, which are often aromatic and sometimes edible.
Sometimes there are raised garden beds so elders can dig, plant and actively tend to the garden from a wheelchair or a comfortable height.
Each wander garden is unique, but each provides plenty of sights, sounds and aromas to gently stimulate the senses.
Grounding
Grounding, also known as “Earthing” is the practice of connecting with the earth’s electrical field.
Moreover, grounding exposes the body to electrons which neutralize many of the harmful effects of oxidation on a molecular level. This has a significant effect on how the immune system functions.
Reduces inflammation associated with a wide range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and others
Drastically improves wound healing
Significantly improves immune system function
Markedly reduces pain and swelling
Improves energy and fatigue
Grounding can be accomplished simply by placing one’s bare feet or hands in soil, sand, stone, wood or other natural substance that is in contact with the earth.
There are also products available that can ground a person who would have difficulty getting outdoors.
Forty minutes per day of grounding is sufficient to achieve ideal results.
Forest Bathing
First popularized in Japan in the 1980s, “Forest Bathing” (essentially spending quiet time in forest-like settings) has amassed an amazing amount of evidence for some remarkable results.
Reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health
Minimize symptoms of depression
Reduce feelings of anxiety
Lower feelings of stress and reduce cortisol and other stress biomarkers
Increase mental relaxation
Decrease physical pain
Reduce feelings of psychological distress
There are many reasons why forest bathing is effective, according to scientists.
Viewing nature, physically handling or touching natural objects, gentle multi-sensory stimulation and immersion in nature have all been proven to have a restorative effect on multiple aspects of mental and physical health.
Additionally, certain evergreen trees release a phytochemical compound that, on its own in studies, has been shown to decrease adrenaline and heart rate.
How much horticulture therapy time does a senior need?
How much exposure is necessary to start seeing these effects? Surprisingly little.
In fact, even just viewing images of nature – or the addition of a single cut flower or houseplant into a room – can have measurable outcomes.
However, the strongest and most profound results will often be achieved in conjunction with a horticultural therapist.
Horticultural therapists are specially trained and uniquely creative
Horticultural therapists are generally some sort of healthcare or social worker who has received additional training and certification specific to this modality.
This often includes occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, hospice workers, nurses, spiritual care professionals, activity providers and others.
All of whom have their unique approaches to integrating plant based interactions into their practices in different ways.
What they have in common, besides the plant based nature of their approaches, is that they are helping the participant(s) reach specific, measurable goals.
Horticultural therapy focuses on achieving defined goals
A “specific, measurable goal” could be, for example, to reduce one’s blood pressure by 20 points. Another goal might be to decrease the frequency or dosage of pain medication one is taking.
In dementia care, goals of horticulture therapy often include activity engagement or aggression, yelling, restlessness and other such behavioral symptoms. These types of symptoms can be concretely measured using tools such as the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI).
The CMAI measures 29 specific negative behavioral symptoms in people with dementia.
1. Pacing and aimless wandering
2. Inappropriate dressing or disrobing
3. Spitting
4. Cursing or verbal aggression
5. Constant unwarranted request for attention or help
6. Repetitive sentences or questions
7. Hitting (including self)
8. Kicking
9. Grabbing onto people or things inappropriately
10. Pushing
11. Throwing things
12. Making strange noises
13. Screaming
14. Biting
15. Scratching
16. Trying to get to a different place inappropriately
17. Intentional falling
18. Complaining
19. Negativism
20. Eating or drinking inappropriate substances
21. Hurting self or other
22. Handling things inappropriately
23. Hiding things
24. Hoarding things
25. Tearing things or destroying property
26. Performing repetitive mannerisms
27. Making verbal sexual advances
28. Making physical sexual advances or exposing genitals
29. General restlessness
By performing a behavioral assessment at baseline, and then performing the same assessment at key points during or after the study, these types of behaviors can be measured.
Horticulture therapy is extremely effective for dementia
The results are profound and dramatic. Study after study has shown overwhelming evidence that people with dementia who receive horticultural therapy interventions…
Have significantly less agitation
Have much fewer behavior disturbances
Experience much more emotional stability
Spend significantly more time engaged in activity, and
Spend markedly less time doing nothing
… than their counterparts who receive non-horticultural interventions.
Researchers theorize that enabling people with dementia to have responsibility for and connection with living things is therapeutic for them.
They are receiving gentle multi-sensory stimulation, which is likewise known to be therapeutic. Also, they are engaging in physical activity, social activity and relieving emotional tension.
Horticulture therapy is especially exciting because of what it’s not
Experts are excited about using horticultural therapy to reduce the distressful symptoms of dementia for a number of reasons.
It’s not full of side effects
Medications for dementia symptoms are frequently ineffective and often come with dangerous side effects. These may include, sedation, increased confusion and decreased ability to function independently.
Dementia care experts whole-heartedly agree that non-drug interventions are highly preferred over medications whenever possible.
It’s not expensive
Because horticulture therapy approaches are generally inexpensive, there is no real cost barrier.
It’s not inaccessible
Some of the non-drug interventions out there, such as music or reminiscence therapy, are most effective when based on an individual’s particular memories and experiences.
Horticulture therapy, by contrast, is easy to apply to a wide array of people without a lot of customization.
It’s also easy to incorporate into a variety of different activities and schedules, so it’s well suited to senior living communities and health care facilities.
What’s more, is that it can be done literally anywhere!
Even if a person doesn’t have access to a garden plot or can’t get outdoors at all, horticulture therapy can occur inside.
Horticultural therapy should be utilized to the fullest extent possible to enhance the health and well being of people living with dementia
Researchers acknowledge that it can be hard to separate the exact amount that each individual facet of horticultural therapy contributes to its overall beneficial effect.
Multi-sensory stimulation is known to be therapeutic. The natural world is full of visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory stimuli that promote healing.
Additionally, there are many known (and likely many as yet unknown) phytochemicals that affect how the human body functions on a microscopic level.
What is clear beyond any shadow of a doubt is that horticultural therapy is an easy, inexpensive, accessible and enjoyable way to support and promote good mental, physical, emotional and social health for people living with, or without, dementia.
Researches show that dementia and sleep are actually quite closely connected to each other.
Also, those with dementia usually develop bad sleeping habits which we need to take into consideration as soon as possible.
Sleep deprivation is known to have profound consequences on a person’s health.
This can include tiredness and grumpiness as well as the risk of serious medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and shorter life span among many others.
Over the years, there also seems to be a connection between dementia and sleep.
This is even though scientists and researchers cannot conclusively explain how dementia affects a person’s sleep.
Studies indicate that about 40% of people who have dementia experience sleep disturbances. For some individuals, their internal “biological clock” may be damaged, affecting their sleep.
Another logical explanation is that the parts of the brain that control whether a person stays awake or not may be damaged by the disease, which results in disturbing sleep patterns.
Before experts can give conclusive explanations, let us look at different aspects of sleep risk and dementia.
Sleep Problems That Dementia People May Face
There is a wide array of sleep issues that people with dementia may experience over the course of the illness, such as:
Oversleeping
In as much as we are encouraged to enjoy quality sleep all night, people with dementia may end up oversleeping.
This is where a person spends most of their time in bed during the day and at night. Sleeping a lot is usually common in the later stages of the illness.
As the disease progresses, brain damage also becomes more extensive, making a person become frailer and weaker over time.
Some medication that an individual may be taking like antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can contribute to excessive sleepiness.
Light Sleep Disorders
These are disorders that are also known as (RDB) rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. They make individuals act out their dreams by talking or moving in their sleep.
Sleep Disordered Breathing
This is where a person has difficulties breathing while sleeping.
It may be as a result of obstructions in the airway, which makes an individual work harder to breathe normally. At times, this is also referred to as sleep apnoea.
It is considered to be one of the risk factors when it comes to dementia and sleep.
This is because disordered breathing can damage the brain because the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen change when a person has challenges while breathing.
Most of the time, this can also change how blood flows to the brain.
Difficulties Falling Asleep
Many people with dementia often have trouble falling asleep. A person may be in bed wanting to sleep, but it will not happen.
Counting sheep and drinking chamomile tea may not offer the solution that the person needs.
This makes the affected person want to wander off into the darkness or start yelling or calling the names of their caregivers.
Hypnagogic Hallucinations
These are imagined sensations that a person ends up thinking are real. They are also known as sleep hallucinations that happen when a person is falling asleep.
The hallucinations can appear in different forms, whether vision, taste, smell, or sound. Research about this is still ongoing as the hallucinations continue to fascinate scientists, philosophers, and writers.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
These are characterized by normal sleep patterns that usually happen at random times during the day. These are very common when a person is growing older.
It usually happens because of reduced exposure to natural light, a decrease in physical activity, as well as changes in circadian rhythms that come with aging.
Natural Medications to Help People Sleep
Brand
Features
Thisworks Sleep Plus Pillow Spray
Fast-acting natural rest
With essential oils
Superblend
Spray over pillow, pajamas & linen
Isagenix Sleep Support&renewal Spray,
2.0 fl. oz./60mL
AIOBEECY Sleep Patches, Easy Sleep Leading to Sweet Dreams, Natural Sleep
60 patches
100% drug free
Easy to use
All natural ingredients
High quality sleep
Apollo Neuro Wearable | Stress Relief Band and Natural Sleep Aid Device to Improve Sleep
Natrol Melatonin Fast Dissolve Tablets, Helps You Fall Asleep Faster
Strengthen immune system
Drug free
Stay asleep longer
Dissolve in mouth
Strawberry
Factors that May Cause Sleep Problems in People with Dementia
Several factors besides brain damage may be the cause of sleep issues worth mentioning when talking about dementia and sleep. Some of these include but are not limited to:
1. Restless leg syndrome
This is a disorder that brings about unpleasant “tingling” or “crawling” feeling on the legs which makes a person want to move them all the time
2. Depression
Depression is very common with people who have dementia, and it may end up affecting how they sleep. In most cases, only a professional can give a positive diagnosis of depression in adults because this is often confused with Alzheimer’s disease.
The two conditions share symptoms like apathy, isolation, impaired thinking, social withdrawal, loss of interest in hobbies, and activities amongst others.
Once depression has been positively diagnosed, treatment can improve quality of life significantly.
Treating Sleep Problems
There are two main approaches when it comes to treating sleep issues in people who have dementia.
One of these has a lot to do with lifestyle changes that can improve sleep quality.
Some of the solutions to these may include:
1. Regular sleep regimes
Encouraging a person who has dementia to stick to regular meal times as well and going to bed and waking up times can help them enjoy their sleep more.
This way, they will not have to deal with too many dire consequences of dementia and sleep.
2. Exercise
Exercise is a recommended treatment method because it gets the body moving; thus, helps the organs in the body to function as they should.
Because people who have dementia may not be able to work out vigorously, caregivers must identify light exercises that the individuals under their care can handle with ease.
Moderate amounts of walking can do the trick. Night-time stretching may also be helpful.
3. Diet
It is vital for people who have dementia to eat well-balanced food to get the nutrients the body needs to boost immunity. Avoid processed foods and stick to organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, complex carbs, and proteins.
Sleep interruptions, whether caused by a noisy neighborhood or a snoring partner, can end up harming brain health.
Persons who experience poor restless sleep have a higher risk of cognitive decline compared to the ones who sleep well throughout the night.
Individuals who experience fragmented sleep can use blackout curtains or a white noise machine to help them sleep well throughout the night.
5. Plan more active days
Boredom during the day is one of the reasons why an individual may want to nap more.
It is advisable to plan more active days filled with activities that the seniors love. This way, they get more tired at night, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
6. Creating a safe and comfortable sleeping space
Modifying a person’s sleeping environment to make it more welcoming, safe and comfortable can help an individual enjoy quality shut-eye at night.
This is where you can do things like check on temperatures, use nightlights, clean and soft bedding.
7. Ensuring exposure to bright light in the morning
Furthermore, persons with dementia can also try light therapy.
Exposing seniors to natural light often can help to realign their circadian rhythm to reduce the effects of some sleep disorders.
Studies also show that light therapy helps to enhance sleep patterns for people with dementia.
8. Music intervention
The right type of music can also help a person fall asleep when they are having difficulties with this.
Ideally, it should be something with soft beats like Mozart and other classical tunes. Loud music with fast beats may not offer the desired results.
An individual can also try playing a musical instrument to drive them to sleep.
The other option available when a person wants to deal with sleep issues is the use of medications and other apparatus.
Note that a person should only consider this when they have tried the non-medical route without any success.
Examples of such include:
1. Using CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) – This is a machine that helps to reduce the effects of sleep apnea.
2. Some medications like benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants can also improve sleep.
It is always best for the person with dementia to consult a doctor before taking any type of medication to be on the safe side. Some drugs may have a negative effect when it comes to dementia and sleep.
3. Doctors may also prescribe melatonin hormone that can maintain regular sleep-wake cycles.
4. Treating any pains that a person may be having can also work well for a person who wants to sleep better.
5. A person who wakes up at night should not be encouraged to watch TV, listen to loud music, or be over-active during the wakefulness periods.
This will only encourage them to stay awake instead of going back to bed
This may end up worsening cognitive symptoms, ultimately reducing the quality of life of the person with the disease as well as the people around them.
When a person is having problems with dementia and sleep, it is important to try and get to the bottom of the issue.
This is by finding out what is causing these issues to administer the proper treatment that will help a person lead a more fulfilling and satisfying life even when they are ill.
While researchers and other medical experts continue to search for a cure for dementia, there are some essential oils for dementia that can help improve some of the symptoms that persons with this neurodegenerative disease experience.
Essential oils are generally extracted from plants and herbs.
There are two ways this is done.
One of them is through expression which uses mechanical pressure to force the oil out. The other is distillation where the steam releases compounds from the plants.
A cooling system is then used on the vapor as the stream converts back to the water. The oil will float on top when the mixture cools.
Best Essential Oils for Dementia
Let’s check out some of the essential oils that are best suited for persons with dementia.
Lavender is known to balance strong emotions and it also produces a calming effect. It can be used for persons who have anger issues, irritability, or depression.
In some cases, it can also help people with insomnia.
Rosemary belongs to the group of essential oils for dementia that is worth mentioning. It is considered an uplifting oil that stimulates both the body and mind.
Some say that it can also improve mood and cognitive performance.
A study by Lorraine Oliver and Mark Moss reported some persuasive evidence that exposing people with dementia to rosemary oil improves cognitive performance in both accuracy and speed measures.
Additionally, rosemary is thought to increase appetite, ease constipation, and even relieve depression symptoms
A quick market search reveals that lemon oil is among the most costly essential oils. Nonetheless, it is one of the most studied oils, thanks to its effectiveness.
The oil has been shown to help people with insomnia and anxiety to relax and remain calm. It is also known to ease indigestion, and improve memory.
Oil made from the ginger root also belongs to the category of essential oils for dementia. It is particularly helpful for individuals suffering from digestion problems.
For generations, the oil has been used to treat constipation, and loss of appetite. Ginger is also known to help people eat well.
Ylang Ylang oil is great for two major functions. It can help promote good sleep and it can also ease depression symptoms.
In addition to people with dementia, caregivers looking after ill individuals can also use it if they are struggling with a lack of sleep and restlessness.
It is advisable to combine this with lemon oil for maximum benefits.
It is also important to note that scent has the potential to activate various emotional and physical responses. Specific aromas can bring back memories that a person might have forgotten.
Comparison/Review of Barefut Oils and Rocky Mountain Oils
There are many companies selling essential oils. The 2 companies we have reviewed offer 100% pure organic premium oils. All the oils discussed in this article are sold by both companies.
Company Name
BAREFUT ESSENTIAL OILS
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ESSENTIAL OILS
Selection/Range
All oils in this article available
100 single oils, plus 75 blends. All oils in this article available
Customer Reviews
4.9 STARS average
Between 4 and 5 STARS
Organic
100%
USDA Certified organic
Quality
Every batch GC/MS Tested & analysed by chemists
Provides GC/MS test results from an independent 3rd party lab
Chemicals & Pesticides
Chemically free
Chemically Free
Extraction
Steam distillation or cold press
Artificial Ingredients, filters and additives
Nil
Nil
Purity
100%
100%
Guarantee
30 days satisfaction money back Guarantee
90 days satisfaction money back guarantee
Shipping Costs
Free shipping with orders over $25 in USA
Free shipping USA
Rewards program
Yes
Yes
Packaging & storage
Prevents oxidation with nitrogen cap, and cool dark storage. Amber bottles.
In most cases, the oils are used for aromatherapy where persons inhale the oils or they are used for a massage. Look at some of the most common ways the oils are used.
Massage
Massage combines the therapeutic benefits of touch with the oils. This helps to improve and relax muscle tone as well as improve lymph flow and blood circulation.
Direct Inhalation
For this, a person puts essential oils in a cloth or tissue and inhales through their nose.
Ambient diffusion
This is where you use a dispenser to disperse the oils into the air.
Bath
An individual can opt to use the essential oils in their bathwater. It is one of the best ways to relieve emotional and muscular stress while soothing skin conditions at the same time.
It can be a full bath or foot bath depending on what a person desires.
Body oil
It is where individuals benefit from aromatic treatment through absorption of the skin. The oils in this case are best used after a bath or shower in a bid to deep condition the skin.
Misting
This is another way the essential oils can be dispersed in the air. For this, you will add drops of oil to a mister and vigorously shake to mist the air.
Gargling
At times, an expert may advise a person to gargle the essential oils.
Compress
It is also possible to use essential oils as a compress.
For this, an individual needs to add drops of oil to warm or cold water. Soak a cloth in this water, wring it, and apply the infused cloth on the skin.
Spraying on linens or clothing
Some oils, especially the ones used to promote sleep and relieve stress are best applied to pillowcases or clothes for the best results.
What to Look For When Purchasing Essential Oils?
Ensure you are buying high-quality oils. Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA and have therefore have no quality control guidelines in place. It is up to the buyer to do their own due diligence.
Best to buy organic. Ensure the product has a USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) certified organic label.
Read the label. The label should include where the plant originates, where the product was made, the Latin name, as well as how the oil was extracted. The label should also include safety data.
Jar color: dark blue or amber bottles protects the aromatic and therapeutic properties.
Be wary of companies claiming their product can cure Alzheimer disease, dementia, or other diseases. Be cautious.
Tightly sealed bottles.
Do not buy synthetic oil products. These have none of the health benefits that pure essential oils have.
Look for 100% pure essential oils. Pure oils will not be greasy/oily or leave any residue on paper. Pure oils do not have artificial substances in the formulas
Closing Remarks
As much as essential oils for dementia may offer a wide range of benefits, they are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
For this reason, it is important to consult a professional doctor before using any of the oils to make sure they will be safe and effective.
After a positive dementia diagnosis, some people may ask how do you treat dementia naturally.
Before answering this question, it is important to note that there is currently no cure for dementia.
Affected persons can, however, take some steps that will help to treat symptoms of the illness or help slow down its progression.
There are two ways of doing this.
The first includes taking medication while the other focuses on alternative treatments.
Natural Treatments for Dementia
The primary aim of treatment is to create a better quality of life for ill individuals. Below we will highlight some of the options available when a person wants to treat dementia naturally.
Eating a Healthy Diet
Some studies confirm that diet plays a vital role in slowing down the progression of dementia.
Some foods like leafy green vegetables, fatty fish, herbs, some oils (CBD oil, olive oil, etc.), nuts, fruits, cruciferous vegetables, and other superfoods come highly recommended not only for treating the disease but reducing its risk as well.
Use of Supplements
Supplements are another answer given to the question of how do you treat dementia naturally.
Several supplements are known to be beneficial to persons suffering from dementia.
The most popular one is Ginkgo biloba which comes from trees from the Maidenhair tree.
It is in use in America for years, but it still needs a prescription in many countries in Europe.
Ginkgo biloba is said to have three primary active ingredients namely bilobalide, ginkgolides, and flavonoids that help in promoting blood flow, inhibiting inflammation, and reducing the damage that free radicals cause.
Numerous trials reveal that the supplement helps to improve cognition in individuals with dementia. Other supplements that people with the neurodegenerative illness can try include Omega-3 fatty acids, Ginseng, Vitamins B12 & B9, Vitamin E, Huperzine, and Vitamin D.
Remember to exercise extreme caution when taking supplements because, in most cases, the remedies are not regulated.
It is always best to consult your doctor before you start taking any supplements.
A professional occupational therapist can work with individuals with dementia as well as their families to teach coping behaviors.
The expert can also offer insight on how to modify the affected person’s living space to make it safer and more comfortable.
This is one to manage behavior, prevent accidents like slipping and falling, and also prepare everyone involved for dementia progression.
Music Therapy
This can help to promote relaxation and reduce agitation especially if it involves listening to soothing music.
What’s best, almost everyone can introduce music therapy to their lives.
Pet Therapy
The therapy involves the use of domestic animals like cats and dogs. This has been known to improve the behavior and moods of people with dementia.
Art Therapy
This entails getting weak individuals to participate in creative art focusing on the process instead of the results.
Reality Orientation Training
This comes in handy as the disease continues to progress and a person starts to forget important details. It involves going over basic things like the time, date, and person’s name.
Bright Light Therapy
Many people who have dementia will experience sleep disruptions because the disease affects the region of the brain that regulates the circadian rhythm that tells the body when to wake up and sleep.
Light therapy can help to restore a person’s sleep-wake cycle. Not to mention, bright light therapy works in reducing agitation, too.
Aromatherapy
This is the use of essential oils to improve well-being. A short-term study revealed that therapy can help improve thinking abilities in seniors.
Some oils commonly used for aromatherapy include lavender, lemon, rosemary, and orange.
Reminiscence Therapy
This involves the process of allowing persons with dementia to remember the good old days.
In short, you can do reminisce therapy by talking about their past life, viewing pictures and videos, or listening to music that helps them remember treasured memories.
Exercise
Exercise is another solution available for persons asking how do you treat dementia naturally.
Persons with dementia can get multiple benefits from exercising. These include enhanced balance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Experts also explain that exercise can help to effectively manage symptoms like restlessness.
Additionally, staying physically active can help a person sleep better.
Growing evidence also reveals that exercise can help protect the human brain from dementia especially when it is combined with treating cardiovascular disease risk factors and a healthy diet.
Research also states that physical activity can help reduce depression symptoms as well as slow down the progression of impaired thinking in persons who have dementia.
Exercise does not have to be something strenuous that will end up frustrating an individual. It can be something light and enjoyable such as gardening, taking walks, swimming, and dancing.
The workouts must also be safe to do depending on a person’s ability.
Coconut Oil
Processed coconut oil contains a fatty acid known as caprylic acid.
The body breaks down this acid into a protein known as ketone. For your information, Ketasyn is a drug that uses a similar protein.
Some researchers claim that individuals who took Ketasyn recorded less cognitive decline and improved memory performance.
Instead of taking the drug, some individuals are taking processed coconut oil to reap the benefits.
Acupuncture
Some people believe strongly that acupuncture can help in dementia treatment. This is why we had to include it as one of the responses of how do you treat dementia naturally.
The therapist uses needles to stimulate the body while improving energy flow.
Some studies show that acupuncture can help improve cognitive function and mood for people with dementia.
Others claim that it can help to relieve pain and increase energy levels. This is worth trying out as it presents little risk.
A licensed and trained practitioner must, however, perform the therapy.
Reflexology
This is the practice of careful hand and foot massage with the aim of alleviating pain and reducing distress.
Massages for a long time have been known to improve the quality of life for individuals who have dementia. It can also help to brighten up someone’s mood.
Social Interaction
Some problems that people with dementia face stem from social isolation. It is one of the main reasons social interactions are a part of the answers to the query of how do you treat dementia naturally.
Psychosocial interactions can help improve cognition and the general well-being of persons who have dementia.
Sensory activities are also important especially when the affected individuals have challenges with communication because they can help identify new ways to communicate with peers and caregivers.
These can include things like dancing and art activities like pottery.
Challenging the Brain
Another way you can treat dementia naturally is through keeping the brain active. If the impaired person enjoys Sudoku or crossword puzzles, set time apart for them to engage in these activities.
If they do not like such, caregivers must identify some of the hobbies that the person with dementia may like.
This can be anything from going to church for service, listening to music, playing an instrument, cooking, playing card games, reading a book, or other mentally engaging activities.
The internet is a great resource for cognitive games that individuals with dementia can try out to keep their brains active and healthy.
Quality Sleep
A good night’s sleep is another solution available for people seeking answers to how do you treat dementia naturally.
Persons who have dementia may have problems with sleeping. Some may end up sleeping too much during the day and end up tossing and turning most of the night.
Lack of sleep can worsen a majority of dementia symptoms.
This is why caregivers and family members need to ensure that their loved ones who have dementia get enough rest and quality sleep each night.
An individual may have to go through cognitive behavioral therapy that can help improve insomnia symptoms and those of depression as well.
Sticking to a schedule can also help a person know when it is time to sleep.
If you cannot solve the problem at home, do not shy away from consulting a doctor who will offer a practical solution.
Closing Thoughts
Even though dementia may not have a cure yet, it does not mean that a person with the disease has to suffer immensely for the rest of their lives.
Above are some of the examples of natural treatment that individuals with dementia can try out to improve quality of life and relieve some negative symptoms that are brought by the disease.
Because there are several options, caregivers should make sure that they only explore the ones that are working with a particular individual.
Some persons may find some options too patronizing. Drop them immediately and try others until you identify the ones that bring out the best results.
