Many persons with dementia develop communication challenges where some even stop speaking leading to the question of why do dementia patients stop talking.
Below, we are going to explore several reasons that may cause a person with dementia to stop speaking.
Why do dementia patients lose the ability to speak?
Brain Damage
One of the top answers to the query why do dementia patients stop talking is because of the damage the disease causes to their brains.
When a person is first diagnosed with the illness, they may be communicating well.
From here individuals may start experiencing some communication challenges mostly because they have difficulties remembering things.
After some time, they will completely lose the ability to talk.
At this point, therapies aimed at enhancing communication become futile. This mostly happens in the later stages of illness where dementia affects almost all aspects of a person’s life.
This renders the suffering individual dependent on all activities, and their willingness or ability to talk reduces among other severe changes.
Frustrations
Another reason persons with dementia may stop speaking is that they are frustrated with not being understood by the individual they are communicating with.
They can reach a stage where they keep repeating the same sounds, words, or phrases; thus other people will not understand the message they are trying to pass across.
Numerous studies done by linguists focusing on the language of individuals with dementia reveal that the affected individuals may be communicating about the reality from their past world but are not able to use “dictionary words” which results in misunderstandings.
Communication challenges can make a person feel discouraged and just not try and talk to other individuals.
Social Withdrawal
Social withdrawal may be another answer to why do dementia patients stop talking.
Many people with the neurodegenerative disease find their current world filled with loneliness, pain, noise, and confusion.
The affected individuals may also be dealing with an array of emotions from fear, anger, or sadness, etc.
They, therefore, find comfort in solitude as they retreat to a world that they once lived in. Here they can relive happier moments when the disease was not taking a toll on them.
Lack of Engagement
At times, a person with dementia may stop talking because of a lack of engagement.
They may opt to keep to themselves because they feel bored or isolated.
This is why you will find that some persons with the disease will spend a lot of time alone.
Even when they are in the company of others, they may remain mum because not much conversation may be going on.
Some people with dementia will find it difficult to start a conversation; thus opt to stop speaking especially when other people do not put in the effort to engage with them.
Hearing Loss
A high percentage of people who have dementia will end up suffering from hearing loss. This makes it one of the answers to why do dementia patients stop talking.
When individuals with dementia lose their ability to hear, it will most likely be associated with communication problems that can result in a person not talking because they cannot hear properly.
Closing Thoughts
Sadly, when a person with dementia stops talking especially because of excessive damage to the brain, it may be an indication that they are living their last days on earth.
Caregivers may want to consider hospice care at this point to ensure that the affected persons remain as comfortable as possible until they breathe their last breath.
Researchers continue to investigate the link between seizures and dementia.
This is after observing several people with dementia experience seizures as one of the symptoms of the neurodegenerative disease.
Seizures and Dementia in the Elderly
Seizures can be described as uncontrolled and sudden electrical disturbances that happen in the brain.
This can cause levels of unconsciousness, feeling, or movements as well as changes in behavior.
While seizures are usually an indication that a person has epilepsy, not everyone who experiences seizures has epilepsy.
Naturally, persons who have dementia are at risk of seizures.
People with dementia are at risk of seizures
Alzheimer described this way back in 1911. What is not clear yet is how common the seizures are.
This is because some seizures can be quite complex.
Many people are familiar with the generalized tonic-clonic seizures that make people fall to the ground, become stiff and unresponsive and their bodies shake with convulsions.
However, there is another type of seizure that mainly affects individuals with dementia.
These are known as focal onset seizures.
They generally involve short periods of increased unresponsiveness or amnesia.
The person going through this can showcase involuntary repeating movements of the arms, hands, face like swallowing, lip-smacking, or chewing.
Because it does not go on for long, it can easily be missed.
At What Stage of Dementia Do Seizures Occur
In the past, it was believed that only people who had been diagnosed with dementia for years developed seizures.
Recent studies on seizures and dementia, however, reveal that it is also possible for seizures to occur during the early stages of the disease.
Some people will even experience seizures before memory loss become obvious.
Reasons Persons with Dementia Develop Seizures
Individuals with dementia may experience seizures because of the structural changes that happen in the brain.
In some cases, they will occur after a brain infection like meningitis, head injury, or stroke.
As the cells in the brain begin to die, the size of the brain will shrink and this is something that can lead to seizures.
Some types of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease are a result of protein build-up in the brain that interferes with how cells in the brain communicate with each other.
This can result in nerve cells becoming “hyper-excitable” which implies that they will start to behave uncontrollably which can cause seizures.
The Role of Seizures in Dementia
While studying seizures and dementia, scientists were also triggered on the topic of the role seizures in the illness.
A study was conducted towards this end. Researchers observed 55 patients aged 50-69 years.
They were all admitted to an Israeli medical center with their first known seizure. A quarter of the participants developed dementia later on.
Another study that was done in the US looking at almost 300,000 veterans who were all over 55 years uncovered that seizures increased the risk of people developing dementia over a period of one to nine years.
Managing Seizures in People with Dementia
When talking about seizures and dementia, many people are usually concerned as to whether the seizures are manageable or not.
The good news is that there are drugs that a person can take to stop or reduce the seizures.
It is, therefore, important to consult a doctor when a person who has dementia suspects that they have seizure episodes.
In short, the medics will perform the necessary tests and prescribe medication that will treat the issue.
It is important to talk about hallucinations and dementia seeing that this is one of the most common symptoms that persons with this neurodegenerative disease experience.
Hallucinations are incorrect perceptions about experiences or things that involve the senses that can result in a negative or positive experience.
Hallucinations in People with Dementia
They normally seem real to the person who is experiencing them, but other people cannot see them the way the person hallucinating is.
In most cases, however, they will affect the visual or auditory senses where a person can see something that does not exist or hear voices or noises that are not there.
For example, a person can be convinced that they are seeing crawling bugs on their bed or seat but they are not actually there.
What Causes People with Dementia to Experience Hallucinations
People will dementia will experience hallucinations because of the changes that happen in their brains.
Some of the possible causes for hallucinations when a person has dementia include:
Physical problems like bladder or kidney infection or intense pain
Responding and Treating Hallucinations
Below we cover twelve steps that caregivers can try and take when they are dealing with a person who has hallucinations and dementia, like:
How do you deal with hallucinations in dementia
1. Ensuring that their environment is well-lit.
2. Making sure the person with dementia gets proper nutrition and stays hydrated because dehydration and malnutrition can lead to depriving the brain of the nutrients it needs to thrive and function normally.
3. Maintaining schedules and routines.
4. Where possible do not change the environment where the person stays and make sure it is as comfortable as possible, limiting distractions and people who visit or stay.
5. Look out for signs of physical injury like scrapes or bruises that may be causing hallucinations.
6. Come up with creative distressing techniques. For instance, if a person insists that a person has stolen their jewelry, do not outrightly tell them they are wrong.
Instead, offer to help search for the items or you can even look for another interesting activity that will distract them from their current thoughts.
7. Avoid arguments at all costs because at the end of the day the hallucinations are real to the person with dementia even though they may appear far-fetched to you.
Always responds to the person’s feelings rather than the issue as this shows that you acknowledge their concerns. Seek to constantly reassure the person at all times.
8. Figure out if the hallucinations have a negative impact. If they have a positive impact, it is best not to address the issue.
9. At times, it helps to investigate any suspicions that the person raises because it may end up being true.
10. Being flexible. Sometimes, you have to indulge in little fibs to make the person with hallucinations and dementia feel safe.
For instance, if they hear an imaginary sound you can tell them that you were the cause and that everything is okay.
Where possible have multiples of some of the things that a person loves. This way, if they keep misplacing them, you can always search for them and magically find them.
It is helpful because it helps frustration from boiling over to aggression or disappointments which can dampen someone’s mood.
12. Visiting a doctor to rule out any vision or hearing problems. The medic might also change medication if it is the source of hallucinations.
Medication for Dementia Hallucinations
If the hallucinations are severe, physicians can prescribe medications to treat hallucinations. Different drugs can do the job such as:
Nuplazid
This is one of the first drugs that has even been approved to treat hallucinations that relate to Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Antipsychotic medication
These can treat hallucinations by offering a calming effect which makes the hallucinations less distressing. The drugs can also reduce or eliminate the frequency with which they occur.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
These are medicines that doctors will give people to treat both hallucinations and dementia. They increase levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain which helps to boost cognition as well as alertness. They also have the potential to reduce hallucinations.
It is also recommended that caregivers seek out support because dealing with persons who have hallucinations and dementia is not an easy task.
This is because you may end up dealing with feelings of frustration, exhaustion, guilt, distress, and exasperation.
Seeking support helps you to effectively deal with such so that you can be in the best possible position to look after the individual with dementia.
Which Dementia’s Cause Hallucinations
Lewy Body Dementia is the number one culprit for causing dementia in person with this type of illness.
It is usually common in the early stages of the disease and might disappear as it progresses into the middle or end stages of the illness.
The hallucinations are usually persistent and last for a long-time. Studies also reveal that hallucinations can affect people who have Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
With these diseases, the hallucinations occur during distinct periods for a short time. They can occur during the middle to late stages of the disease.
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.
After years of research, experts uncovered that there is a link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.
Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s
Down syndrome is a medical condition where an individual is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21 rather than the normal two copies.
The genetic abnormality usually results in health issues and developmental challenges that can affect memory, learning, and language.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be defined as a brain disease that is one of the major causes of dementia. It makes affected persons experience impaired memory, behavior, and thinking.
It can also affect mood and emotions.
The illness is caused by an abnormal build-up of beta-amyloid which is a type of protein that forms plaques in brain cells.
This accumulation damages the connections between brain cells which, in turn, disrupts how messages are passed from one part of the brain to another.
The brain cells die eventually and this will reduce the size of the brain.
Brain degeneration that happens because of AD can impair an individual’s ability to carry out day to day activities. Because Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness, the symptoms become worse as time goes by.
Correlation between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease
Studies reveal that most people (not all) who have Down syndrome will also develop AD.
Chromosome 21 carries the APP gene (amyloid precursor protein). Beta-amyloid forms when APP breaks down.
This clumps together into brain plaques that are common with AD.
As stated earlier, persons with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21 which implies that they can make 11/2 times more APP than persons who only have two copies.
Individuals who have Down syndrome have a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s.
Many studies state that about 50% of individuals with Down syndrome will end up with AD by the time they are celebrating their 60th birthday. The average onset age, however, is usually 50-55 years.
The National Down Syndrome Society reports that about 30% of individuals who have Down syndrome and are in their 50s already have AD.
Early Alzheimer’s disease Signs for Persons with Down syndrome
A person who has Down syndrome can showcase several symptoms that may indicate they have AD such as:
To determine whether a person has both Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, a doctor may subject the individual to various tests that may include:
Memory and thinking tests
Physical examinations that may include brain scans and blood tests
Assessing medical history
Careful observation of symptoms as well as how a person’s behavior and abilities change is crucial.
This is because persons with Down syndrome already have pre-existing difficulties with memory, thinking, and daily living skills.
Naturally, a person with Down syndrome may not be in a position to report concerns about memory or other changes happening in their lives.
For this reason, their loved ones or professional caregivers must help with observing cognitive changes.
Indidivual diagnosis for Down syndrome
Experts recommend certain principles that can help with a person-centered diagnosis for individuals with Down syndrome, such as:
1. Documenting baseline adult function by the time they are 35 years. The medical records of a person with Down syndrome should include details about their adult abilities.
2. Checking for Changes in Daily Function. Family members or other reliable individuals should also be on the lookout for changes in day to day function.
A person may note that an individual with Down syndrome showcases less interest in social interactions or things they loved doing previously. Changes in behavior and personality may also indicate a decline in thinking skills.
Doctors also perform other examinations to rule out other medical conditions that may look like Alzheimer’s disease.
This is because of something that is known as “differential diagnosis.”
When a person with Down syndrome showcases a decline in abilities or loss of skills, medics can consider:
Changes in sensory impairments like vision or hearing difficulties that can inhibit social engagement or lead to a loss in skills
Life changes, for instance, adjustments in a person’s day service, retirement, menopause, or reaction to something like bereavement.
Thyroid disorders which can be treated
Depression which is treatable with the proper interventions
Drug interactions
Poor sleep patterns
Urinary or other types of infections
Vitamin deficiencies
Because the above conditions are treatable, a person with Down syndrome needs to undergo a comprehensive medical assessment, especially during the early stages to rule them out.
Research on Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease
Scientists are working round the clock to figure out why some people with Down syndrome end up with AD while others do not.
The experts want to get a clear picture so that they can come up with medication or other treatments that can help delay, stop, or prevent the development of AD.
Some studies are already in the clinical trial phase and people can only hope that these will yield great results in the future to help effectively deal with the two medical conditions.
Living with a Positive Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
Sadly if a person has Down syndrome and they get diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, they have to live with both medical conditions.
Currently, there is no approved cure for AD. However, there are some medications and alternative treatments like therapies and natural remedies that a person can try to treat some symptoms as well as slow or stabilize the decline in thinking abilities and memory for a while.
It is important to consult a physician before starting any treatment regimen to ensure it is best suited for the weak person.
Support services for people with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease also exist. They help affected individuals and their families or carers live well with the conditions.
Research is, however, ongoing to try and find a cure for AD as well as discover new treatments to help delay or avoid the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms for persons who already have Down syndrome.
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.
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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.
It is easy to confuse some of the symptoms of aphasia and dementia, which often leads to questions on whether the two medical conditions are related.
Before we go deeper into answering the query, it is important to first define these conditions.
Aphasia is a language or speech disorder that is a result of complications in the brain.
In Greek, the word Aphasia translates to speechlessness.
Dementia, on the other hand, is a general term that describes a range of medical conditions that are caused by abnormal brain changes.
In Latin, the term dementia stands for “madness” which implies severe memory loss in a person who was previously normal beyond what is expected as a person grows older.
Similarities between Aphasia and Dementia
Some factors may lead persons to believe that dementia and aphasia are quite similar.
One of them is the fact that a person who has aphasia can have challenges finding the proper words to use when holding a conversation.
It is something that persons with dementia may also struggle with. Both conditions are also caused by damage that occurs in the brain.
Another similarity that the two conditions share is that diagnosis of dementia and aphasia is often done through observation of symptoms.
There is No Set Test
This is because there is no specific test that can offer conclusive evidence of the disease.
This implies that there are treatable dementias, especially in the case where the causes can be cured.
It is also worth mentioning that there is a type of aphasia known as progressive aphasia that is a progressive illness that continues to become worse as time goes by.
This is a characteristic that the disease shares with dementia because it is also a progressive illness.
Progressive aphasia starts with the impairment of language abilities and after some time, the affected individual may also experience attention and memory impairment.
Most people with progressive aphasia also develop additional dementia symptoms.
Differences between Aphasia and Dementia
Several differences crop up when comparing dementia and aphasia. Here we will discuss the three main ones touching on communication, behavior, symptoms, and cause.
Communication
We have already noted that communication problems are present in both disorders. When it comes to communication, however, some subtle differences come up for individuals with dementia and the ones with aphasia.
A person with aphasia may already know what they are trying to say, but they may not be able to communicate the idea clearly.
With dementia, a person may lose sight of what they were trying to say.
While both persons may be searching deep in their brain to find purpose or meaning in what they want to say, the one with aphasia can toy around with the word on the tip of their tongue but this is not possible for the one with dementia.
Behavior
When it comes to behavior, a person with dementia will, at some point, need help to complete day to day activities because of the extent of brain damage that happens as the disease progresses.
Individuals with aphasia will continue to function “normally” in regards to daily activities. They will not need assistance with activities like eating, grooming, or drinking because they only have challenges with speech and conversations.
Symptoms
The symptoms of aphasia and dementia also vary.
Symptoms that a person with aphasia may showcase include the inability to read aloud, constant phase repetition, challenges with writing, inability to recollect the name of objects, the substitution of letters or words, and even speaking things that do not make sense.
While persons with dementia may experience some of the aphasia symptoms, they may also encounter other symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, mood changes, difficulties concentrating, and inability to perform day-to-day activities amongst others depending on the stage of the illness.
These are symptoms that are not common with individuals who are suffering from aphasia.
Causes of Aphasia and Dementia
We have already established that both dementia and aphasia are caused when there are damages in the brain.
What sets the two conditions apart is the section of the brain that is hurt.
For aphasia, people will get the illness when the part of the brain that controls speech is damaged. This mostly happens because of traumatic brain injury or a stroke.
Infections and brain tumors are other probable causes of aphasia.
Dementia is quite different from this.
Even though a stroke or traumatic brain injury can also cause it, it is mostly a result of amyloid plaque build-up in the brain, which leads to the development of the most common dementia type known as Alzheimer’s disease.
This build-up cuts off neurons in the brain that are responsible for relaying messages from one part of the brain to the next.
It ends up affecting the entire brain and not the speech part, as is the case with aphasia.
This is why a person with dementia may not know the name of a familiar face or even remember how to hold a fork because they cannot access their memories.
The person with aphasia only has problems accessing the part of the brain that deals with speech.
These differences between aphasia and dementia are instrumental when it comes to diagnosis.
A doctor can study the symptoms to know whether a person is only having trouble with speech or they are having communication problems as well as other challenges with their day to day lives to understand what the person is suffering from.
This implies that a person who has the disease may notice that there is something different going on in their lives but they may not necessarily know that they have the disease.
People become aware of the changes
Some people with dementia may go about their lives oblivious to what is going on in their brains.
A report from Johns Hopkins in 2018 revealed that a majority of people living with dementia do not know about their diagnosis.
Some of these people might suffer from anosognosia which is a result of cell damage in the parietal and right pre-frontal lobes.
It can be brought about by cell declination as a result of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease or when a person has a stroke.
Other people may notice the physical changes, mental limitations, and behaviors that the ill person showcases but they will remain adamant that nothing is wrong.
This creates challenges for caregivers because they will be dealing with someone who thinks they are fine; thus, they do not need to take the necessary measures to treat symptoms and increase longevity because dementia does not have a cure to date.
The majority of people with dementia don’t know they have it
These are people who can refuse to take medicine, or insist that they can go to work or the store even when it is not safe to do so.
For such a group, if you ask the question do people with dementia know they have it, the answer will be a resounding no.
This is, however, not to state that every single person with the illness does not know they have it.
Some individuals may actually know depending on the stage dementia is diagnosed.
Developing dementia can be a stressful time for the affected person.
One day they might be living their lives “normally” and the next they can only recognize their family or friends without perhaps remembering their name among an array of other symptoms.
At this point, a person might think that they are experiencing normal forgetfulness that mostly happens as humans grow older but it may not be the case.
For this reason, it is important to seek medical advice when you suspect that there is something wrong with your health.
This will help get the proper diagnosis to know how to deal with the conditions heads on.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Even for people without the disease, it is not easy to tell whether a person has dementia or not, the reason a doctor’s intervention is necessary.
It is because in most cases, dementia is only diagnosed when the symptoms start showing up and for some individuals, the disease may have progressed considerably.
This is one of the things that also makes it difficult to give a straight answer to the question do people with dementia know they have it.
There are some early warning signs, however, that may point towards a person having dementia.
Touching a person and massaging them with essential oils or lotions will not only soothe the skin but will also increase the circulation of blood and other nutrients.
This is a move that can help nerves function better as it helps them to relax.
Eases Disruptive Behaviors
Massage therapy is said to have a positive effect on some dementia symptoms like agitation and wandering. This can come from both hand massage and massaging chairs.
Because they help a person feel calm and relaxed, it can help to reduce or eliminate wandering habits and disruptive behaviors that are common with people who have dementia.
Researchers from Canada conducted this study where they observed 57 persons with Alzheimer’s in a facility in British Columbia for three days.
They divided the participants into three groups each getting different amounts of touching.
One group was not receiving any touch, the other was getting a “non-nurturing touch” and the 3rd group was getting massages two times a day. They found that the group that was receiving touches were calmer.
Slows Down the Process of Memory Loss
Slowing down memory loss is another benefit of massage therapy for dementia patients.
This mostly happens because massage helps to enhance blood circulation in which turns slows down memory loss.
After all, the brain is getting adequate oxygen and other nutrients it needs to function properly.
Naturally, this improves brain activity making individuals with dementia more active as well as aware of their current health status.
A person with dementia should receive regular massages so that positive progress can be seen regarding memory loss.
A licensed massage therapist in New York Connie Tjaden recommends a ten-minute massage applied to the right place three times weekly.
Restores Dignity
Dementia can make a person feel like they are undesirable and unwanted, reason many individuals with the illness end up withdrawing socially.
A good massage can help fix this because touch one of the things that ill individuals need. Massage can restore dignity as it develops a bond between the therapist and their clients.
This can also increase the confidence of a person which leads them to be more socially active as the individuals with dementia try and express their thoughts and feelings to their loved ones.
Enhances Overall Health
When talking about massage therapy for dementia patients, it is also important to note that it can also help with overall health and not brain health only.
This is mostly because good massages increase the levels of endorphins that are released in the body thanks to improved blood circulation.
Endorphins contribute to the general wellness of the human body because they make a person feel energized and happy.
Massages, on the other hand, also encourage a relaxation effect on the brain. This helps to decrease the levels of cortisol (a stress hormone).
This is essential especially for seniors because it can help strengthen the immune system.
Massage is also known to increase serotonin levels in the body.
This is the neurochemical that helps to enhance feelings of relaxation and calm as well as regulates mood.
Different Types of Massages for Dementia
When it comes to massage therapy for dementia patients, there are different types of massages that can benefit persons with the neurodegenerative illness.
The ones that work best are the ones that target specific pressure or pain points to aid in relieving stress for persons with dementia.
Hand Massage
Many individuals with dementia can respond well to hand massage because holding hands is a familiar feeling.
It mostly involves the gentle pressing of the palm as well as rubbing knuckles in a therapeutic motion.
They can help reduce agitation and increase bonds between loved ones. As little as five minutes is enough to evoke a positive response.
Foot Massage
These are beneficial when it comes to alleviating anxiety, encouraging relaxation, easing pain, communicating comfort and support in palliative care, and promoting sleep.
An article published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing the 2011 issue by Amy Johnson, Wendy Moyle, and Siobhan O’ Dwyer titles “Exploring the Effect of Foot Massage on Agitated Behaviors in Older People with Dementia: A Pilot Study stated that at least ten minutes of foot massage reduced agitative behavior symptoms like wandering, repetitive movements, and aggression.
According to the research daily foot massages reduced this kind of behavior after only two weeks for both females and males with dementia.
Slow-Stroke Back Massage
This uses effleurage mostly in a figure-8 formation on all sides of the back moving the palm with firm, rhythmic, and long strokes.
This type of massage is great for fighting agitation, sleep, and anxiety. It may also help to decrease heart rate and blood pressure.
Closing Remarks
When looking for a natural and reliable way to soothe persons with dementia, you can always try massage therapy for dementia patients.
Practitioners say that it records significant improvements.
More scientific data, however, needs to be collected to show conclusive results. Worth noting is that while massage therapy is a viable option, it is not for everyone with dementia.
Some will respond well, while it may hurt others especially the ones who are afraid of touch; thus, it has to be personalized.
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.
