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 behavioral disturbances. Irritability, hostility and agitation may occur in response to loss of control and memory. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that affects language, attention, memory, emotions and problem-solving capabilities. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.
Massage can assist in soothing and comforting a patient under distress. Current research is showing that touch and massage have a positive influence on people with dementia. Simple hand massage can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of agitated behaviors. Light, soothing massage or other non-invasive methods such as Reiki, Aromatherapy, Polarity Therapy and Therapeutic Touch can calm agitated behaviors.
Withdrawal and isolation is also common in people with dementia because of the patients inability to communicate and get along in social settings. As the distress is soothed with massage, people have more of a chance in being social.
Other problems associated with dementia are insomnia, depression, anxiety and grief may also be helped with short intervals of massage to help bring a sense of peace to the patient.
Since each person is different and will have different responses, it is important to start with short sessions of light touch a few times a week and progress as suggested by the physician and massage therapist.
Caregivers can also benefit from getting regular massage to help them deal with the long hours of rigorous care that is needed. Often lack of sleep adds to the physical demands of lifting and helping a family member with dementia. Taking care of the caregiver first can help the patient more in the long run - like the directions on the airplane to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others.
(Check with the patients physician before starting with a regimen of massage!)
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