Many people living with dementia have difficulty receiving and responding to information coming into the brain and often spend long periods stuck in a state of unrest or turmoil. This leaves them feeling anxious, finding it very difficult to calm down. There are many forms of alternative treatments that are now being used to supplement traditional treatment plans for those struggling with these difficult symptoms of dementia. The John M Parrott Centre has found these non-pharmacological forms of treatment to be incredibly effective tools in relieving anxiety in those living with the disease.

Aromatherapy works by stimulating certain receptors in the brain that are linked to regulation of emotions and has been used to relieve anxiety and depression. Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants and are collected through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. Once the plants flavour or "essence" has been extracted, it is combined with a carrier oil to create an oil ready for use.  Studies are now beginning to show that inhaling the aromas from essential oils via diffusers can stimulate a part of the brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, and long-term memory. These studies also show that aromatherapy can help reduce difficult behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia such as restlessness, agitation and aggression. Choosing high quality oils made from plant compounds without any added chemicals or synthetic components are key to reducing allergies or side effects associated with synthetic products. Many of our residents currently have essential oil diffusers in their rooms. Diffusers used at JMPC use ultrasonic vibration to breakdown the essential oils into microparticles and is dispersed as a very fine mist, mixed with steam not heat, into the air. These diffusers are extremley quiet, ideal for relaxing and sleeping. Many of our staff are witnessing the calming benefits aroma therapy provides.

Waking up on a cool morning snuggled under the weight of a warm heavy blanket provides a calming effect on the body, often making getting up out of bed difficult. This effect on the body is a result of something known as Deep Pressure Stimulation. Our brains are constantly processing information around us through our senses, triggering many different emotions. When we are alerted by something alarming, we enter a state of fight or flight. When we encounter something enjoyable, we enter into a state of rest and digest. Because people living with dementia often spend long periods stuck in the fight or flight mode, they’re left feeling anxious, often unable to calm down and have good quality of sleep. Weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation when their weight is evenly distributed across the body. While resting under a weighted blanket, the brain releases happy hormones allowing the body to enter into a resting state of calm. When choosing a blanket, choose a weight that is 10% your body weight. A blanket that is too heavy may feel too restricting and uncomfortable. Residents who use weighted blankets have had improved quality of sleep, decreased restlessness and agitation.

A recent study has shown Virtual Reality can benefit people living with dementia by improving their quality of life. Our residents put on headsets equipped with a screen where they visit different virtual locations. These can be a sandy beach, the countryside, a cathedral, the forest or different experiences such a racing a car, conducting a train, or flying a plane. Virtual Reality helps our residents with dementia recall old memories they otherwise couldn’t access due to their illness. This also helps staff learn about residents past lives, improving their interactions. The positive effects virtual reality has on our residents living with dementia can be seen through their smiles, laughter, decrease anxiety and agitation. We are excited to have introduced this new therapy to our residents and can’t wait to witness more reactions from their experiences.

 

All of these treatments have one common benefit, enriching the quality of lives for our residents. If you know of any other non-pharmacological treatments that may benefit our residents, please share your thoughts with us. We are open to suggestions!