Dementia is a general term used to describe the loss of brain function. It leads to problems with memory, language, cognitive skills, and aspects of the personality. Dementia is a symptom linked to dozens of diseases, and the most common is Alzheimer’s disease. When considering alzheimers vs dementia, the terms are often used interchangeably, but it’s important to remember that Alzheimer’s is one of many forms of dementia.
Dementia can cause a significant and negative impact on the individual’s life and can interfere with their ability to care for themselves. Recent reports suggest that more than 47 million people worldwide have dementia to some degree. In the United States alone, more than 5.5 million people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is known for the progressive loss of memory and mental functions. It’s also marked by a loss of coordination, increased agitation, changes in personality, a loss of bodily functions, and eventually death. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Western medicine has developed medications that prolong the progression of the disease, allowing people to stay coherent longer, but there is currently no cure.
There are traditional and alternative forms of medicine to help alleviate some of the symptoms or the intensity of those symptoms. For example, music and art therapy have both been used to both calm dementia patients, but also to allow them to be more alert and express the emotions they’re feeling in the moment.
Aromatherapy and essential oils as health benefits have been around for generations and predates most modern medicine. Like many other traditional medicines, there are many modern applications, including benefits for people with dementia.
Rosemary can boost brain performance and reduce memory loss, which the hallmark symptom of dementia. Likewise, thyme, rose, clove, eucalyptus, bergamot, and fennel have been shown to reduce COX-2-enzyme, which causes inflammation and has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. While using these essential oils will not prevent or cure Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, they can alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, even for short periods, which can be a great relief for the patient and their loved ones.
As the brain deteriorates, the individual will experience changes in their personality, and many will become agitated or even aggressive. This is possibly caused by confusion and disorientation caused by dementia. Lavender, bergamot, and lemon balm can help suppress the aggression and restlessness often experienced by individuals with dementia.
The agitation and aggressive make caring for someone with dementia most difficult. Otherwise, calm and loving people can become combative and even abusive. While you may know the actions and behavior is not intentional, it’s still hurtful and exhausting. Alleviating the agitation and restlessness will allow the individual with dementia to rest more easily and calm their nerves.
While caring for someone with dementia can be difficult, leading to exhaustion and burnout, it’s important to remember that for someone with dementia, who knows they’re slowly losing their mental faculties, the process is scary and depressing. They’re struggling with losing everything they have ever known and becoming a burden to the people they love.
Essential oils will not provide a cure or stop the progression of dementia. However, research shows they can be useful in giving periods of relief from the symptoms. Additionally, research has suggested that proper use of essential oils that reduce inflammation and boost mental function can slow the progression of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Over recent decades, the medical community has committed a great deal of energy and resources to look for a cure to Alzheimer’s disease. While they have yet to find a cure, the research has revealed a large number of elements that can aid in slowing the progression and symptoms, including the use of essential oils. You can purchase wholesale essential oils to use on a regular basis with minimal cost.
