{"id":5210,"date":"2016-07-31T06:00:53","date_gmt":"2016-07-31T13:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.everywomanover29.com\/blog\/?p=5210"},"modified":"2016-07-30T03:25:02","modified_gmt":"2016-07-30T10:25:02","slug":"essential-oils-for-dementia-agitation-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.everywomanover29.com\/blog\/essential-oils-for-dementia-agitation-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Essential oils for dementia, agitation, anxiety on the Alzheimer\u2019s & Dementia Summit"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"essential-oils-for-dimentia\"<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the excellent speakers, Eric Zielinski, DC, MPH(c) is interviewed on the Alzheimer\u2019s & Dementia Summit. He\u2019s fondly known as Dr. Z and I love everything he shares about the simplicity and power of essential oils (and all the research).<\/p>\n

The topic of his interview is \u201cBest Essential Oils for Brain Health\u201d, dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease \u2013 but as you will hear these essential oils also help with anxiety, agitation, insomnia and social withdrawal.<\/p>\n

One aspect that I find very interesting is the discussion about aromatherapy versus using essential oils in lotions with those with dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease. The latter is more effective because of the loss of sense of smell with advanced dementia.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the gems he shares (from Professor Elaine Perry\u2019s paper: Aromatherapy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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Lemon balm (Melissa) lotion was applied to the face and arms of 36 patients, whilst another 36 patients had sunflower oil applied. Melissa was associated with highly significant reductions measured on an agitation inventory and social withdrawal, together with an increase in constructive activities (dementia care mapping).<\/p>\n

In a trial involving 122 non-demented patients in intensive care, massage aromatherapy using lavender<\/strong> oil was well received, the greatest improvements being in mood and reduction in anxiety.<\/p>\n

In another trial, lavender<\/strong>, <\/strong>geranium<\/strong> and mandarin<\/strong> essential oils in an almond oil base<\/strong> were applied to the skin of 39 patients over an unspecified period. This resulted in increased alertness, contentment and sleeping at night; and reduced levels of agitation, withdrawal and wandering.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

I\u2019m so pleased Dr. Z talks about antipsychotics and how a number of studies have shown a reduced need for these medications when using essential oils.<\/p>\n

This interview and other interviews on the Alzheimer\u2019s & Dementia Summit are well-worth tuning in to. They represent a unique opportunity to discover how to prevent, slow down and even reverse (yes reverse!) the symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s disease and dementia.<\/p>\n

I say \u201cyes reverse!\u201d because I received this concerned question from someone in my community<\/p>\n

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It’s a big claim to say you can reverse Alzheimer’s, especially to those of us sensitized to the issue because of a very ill parent. On what studies or peer-reviewed research do you and your colleagues rely? Do you mean when someone is so far along that they are unable to communicate effectively? How would you find the “root cause” then? I am interested in alternative approaches but sometimes the claims seem to veer toward irresponsible<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

I feel for this concerned caregiver and her question is very valid because we have been led to believe that Alzheimer\u2019s disease cannot be reversed. I only share information I have vetted and always make sure it is research-based and this summit is no exception, even when someone can no longer communicate effectively. Simply using essential oils in a lotion is a wonderful start. Getting the testing that Dr. Bredesen recommends would be the next step. There really is SO much that can be done!<\/p>\n

Here are some of my other favorite interviews:<\/p>\n