How Aromatherapy Can Help Dementia Patients

The sense of smell is, indeed, unique. It has the power to conjure memories, to spark cravings, and even to induce nausea. A bad mood is often lifted when the person lights a scented candle. The scent of vanilla, lavender, pumpkin, etc. can be comforting enough to calm nerves, and bring about balance. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries, and is known to help the body, mind, and spirit become synchronized. 

Not only can aromatherapy lighten mood and help diminish feelings of depression and anxiety, it can also help people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by improving the quality of their sleep and relieving anxiety and agitation. By getting more sleep, and better sleep to boot, the senior with dementia can have a better day and more control over what they are doing and what they are thinking.

Beneficial Oils for Dementia

• Peppermint. This oil is described as “energizing” and so when it is inhaled; it boosts enthusiasm, motivation, immunity, and energy. It can be brought into the body a number of ways including inhaled, sprayed in the air or used as a lotion.

• Ginger. This oil is traditionally used for people who are having stomach issues, but it is also great for people who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s. It may be used as a compress on the abdominal area, or a spray aerosol. 

• Rosemary. This oil truly lifts the spirit and helps both the body and the mind. It improves cognitive performance, and can be used in cooking to help encourage appetite while also helping to relieve a blocked colon.

• Lemon Balm. This highly effective oil runs a little bit more expensive than the others, but is still well worth it. It encourages relaxation and also improves digestion and memory. Best used in a bath, as a spray or directly applied as a lotion.

• Lavender. This oil helps the person ease their feelings of depression and anxiety. Can be used as a lotion, spray, or inhaled directly.

Always Best Care has been in the senior in-home care giving industry for the past 20 years. They have assisted over 25,000 seniors during that time, and their caregivers are always employees, never contractors. If you live in the Birmingham area and are interested in finding out about in-home senior care in Birmingham or if you’d like referrals for senior assisted living in Birmingham, you can call the Always Best Care Birmingham location at 205-874-9730 to set up your free care consultation. They look forward to hearing from you!