Alternative (Non-Pharmacological) Therapies for Dementia by Kailey Larsen, RN

Aromatherapy & Massage

People with dementia can use essential oils as a method of treating their symptoms. Essential oils are derived from plants and are said to have healing powers. They can be applied directly to the skin through massage, put in the bath, or heated in an oil burner to produce a pleasant odor. The use of essential oils is thought to improve relaxation and reduces stress in dementia patients. 

Music Therapy & White Noise

Music therapy and white noise can help dementia patients with outbursts of shouting and agitation. Music can have a powerful influence on a person’s state of mind. Music therapy uses music and sound to revive and improve physical and mental well-being. White noise is produced by the combination of different sound frequencies. It has the ability to mask other sounds and can be combined with natural calming sounds such as waves crashing on the beach, birds chirping, or the sound of crickets. Treatment consists of playing music for at least 30 minutes in a quiet room. Another person should be present in the room to ensure that the person receiving the treatment is happy and comfortable with the level of sound and type of sound. It is also best if you encourage the patient to participate, such as singing along with the music or joining in with the rhythm by clapping or tapping their feet.

Bright Light Therapy

Bright light therapy helps dementia patients by reducing restlessness and improving sleep. Many people with dementia can become more confused and restless when the sun goes down due to melatonin levels changing in their bodies. These behavioral changes can continue throughout the night, impairing sleep for the patient and causing problems for the caretaker. For patients who have limited exposure to sunlight on a daily basis, this lack of sun exposure can increase agitation and interfere with sleep cycles.

In bright light therapy, a person will sit in front of a light box that produces 30 times more light than the average light bulb for a period of approximately 2 hours. This relaxation technique has been shown to be successful in helping to calm agitation and help with insomnia.

Pet Therapy

Frequent exposure to therapy animals, specifically dogs, has been proven to reduce agitation, improve eating, improve interactive behavior, and increase pleasure for dementia patients. The animal must be friendly, have a suitable temperament, and well trained. Under the observation of animal educators, 90 minutes sessions once per week of petting, holding, walking, talking to, and playing with therapy animals has been shown to improve a person’s perceived quality of life and manage some symptoms of dementia.

Acupuncture

Trained acupuncture practitioners will insert a various amount of fine needles into the skin to stimulate several nerves within the target area. Acupuncture can help reduce pain and some of the symptoms of dementia.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

The TENS machine is a small device used to electrically stimulate nerves. Its use involves electrodes being applied to the skin that send mild electrical currents throughout the nerves of the body. It has a prickling sensation but it is not painful. It is thought to be able to alter brain activity, reduce neural degeneration, and stimulate cognitive aspects that are often impaired with dementia.  

Herbal Remedies

Herbal medications consist of naturally occurring plants and other substances that are thought to have the ability to restore or maintain health.

Choto-san: Contains 11 medicated plants and is thought to improve the range of learning and memory in those with dementia.

Kami-Umtam-To: Contains 13 different plants and is thought to be able to slow the cognitive decline of dementia sufferers.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract: This has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect brain cells from breaking down. This is thought to reduce cognitive decline and slow the onset of dementia.

Huperzine A: This is an active ingredient taken from Chinese club moss. It is thought to improve cognitive function.

Coconut Oil

The brains of dementia patients produce less glucose, the substance that our cells need to function properly. This lack of glucose leads to inadequate energy levels. Coconut oil acts as an alternative energy source and is thought to treat signs and symptoms of dementia. Adding it to your daily diet may reduce symptoms.

Coconut oil is high in fats and could potentially elevate cholesterol levels. 

Below is a video that talks about some of the benefits of coconut oil.

*DISCLAIMER*

Before beginning ANY alternative therapy to manage dementia, consult with your physician about the safety and effectiveness of this choice. Do not ever discontinue taking prescribed medications without first consulting your physician. Every case of dementia is different, and your physician will know what is best for you and how to best approach your treatment.

References

1. Alzheimer's Society (2005). Non-pharmacological therapies for the treatment of behavioural symptoms in people with dementia . (pp. 1-8). London: Gordon House

2. Alzheimer's Society (2015). Coconut oil . Retrieved from http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=2211&pageNumber=4

3. Alzheimer's Society (2015). Complementary and alternative therapies . Retrieved from http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=134

4. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, November 22). Alternative medicine . Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/basics/alternative-medicine/con-20034399     

5. Smith, J. (2013). Pets and dementia . Retrieved from http://www.alzheimersproject.org/About-Us/News-Photos-and-Calendar/Latest-News/Pets-and-Dementia

6. Barrick, A. L., Sloane, P. D., Williams, C. S., Mitchell, C. M., Connell, B. R., Wood, W., & ... Zimmerman, S. (2010). Impact of ambient bright light on agitation in dementia. International Journal Of Geriatric Psychiatry, 25(10), 1013-1021.

7. Moretti, F., De Ronchi, D., Bernabel, V., Marchetti, L., Ferrari, B., Forlani, C., & Attil, A. R. (2011). Pet therapy in elderly patients with mental illness. Psychogeriatrics, 11(2), 125-129. doi:10.1111/j.1479-8301.2010.00329.x