Massage therapy can be used to help with the discomfort and symptoms of dementia. Dementia is a term meaning loss of memory and loss of cognitive function, as well as affective and Disruptive behavior. Irritability, hostility and anxiety can occur as a response to loss of control and memory. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that affects language, attention, memory, emotion and problem solving skills. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.Massage can help soothe and entertain patients under stress. Recent research shows that touch and massage has a positive effect on people with dementia. Simple hand massage can help reduce the frequency and intensity of disturbed behavior. Soft, gentle massage or other non-invasive techniques such as Reiki, Aromatherapy, Polarity Therapy and Therapeutic Touch can calm after behaviors.
Withdrawal anxiety and isolation are also common in people with dementia patients because of a lack of ability to communicate and get along in social settings. Such as anxiety soothed by massage, people have more opportunities to link the idiocy social.Other problem is insomnia, depression, anxiety and sadness can also help with short intervals massage to help bring peace to the patient. Because each person is different and has different approaches, it is important to start with short sessions of light touch several times a week and development as suggested by doctors and massage can also therapist.Caregivers benefit from getting a massage on a regular basis to help them cope with the many hours of strictly necessary care.
Lack of sleep is often added to the physical demands of lifting and helping family members with dementia. Caring for the caregiver beforehand can help patients in the long term – I like the instructions on the plane to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others (See your doctor before starting a regimen of massage patient!).