Recipes For Essential Oils In Dementia
Patients with dementia face a number of challenging issues that complicate their care and compromise their quality of life. A number of essential oils have well-documented efficacy in the management and amelioration of some of these issues and can reduce the burden on caregivers as well as improve patients life experience.
Agitation and Combativeness: Lavender is one of the most effective essential oils for reducing agitation and combativeness and in one study a patient who was so combative that he required sedation was found to improve dramatically when a cotton ball with a couple of drops of lavender oil was pinned to his shirt. Other studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of lavender for reducing aggressiveness and agitation in this population, either employed as single oil or as a component of a blend. Other essential oils employed in these studies have included mandarin orange , geranium and marjoram . In my own experience with patients, I have found the combination of lavender essential oil and frankincense to have calming and stabilizing affects.
A suggested formula for addressing agitation and/or aggressiveness in patients with dementia:
- Mandarin orange 10%
Role In Coping Oxidative Stress
Free radicals are generated during aerobic respiration, an essential aspect of living beings. These free radicals readily attack fatty acids, DNA, proteins, other essential molecules and are implicated in a variety of disorders including AD, cancer, aging, inflammation, Parkinsons disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis and liver disease . Free radicals which are produced during oxidation process are neutralized to non-radical forms by enzymes including CAT and hydroperoxidase. However, when free radicals generation is abnormally high or the immune system is depleted, then administration of free radicals scavengers from outside is necessary . Furthermore, in AD patients and aging brain, mitochondrial dysfuntion lead to excessive production of oxidizing free radicals which lead to oxidative stress with subsequent oxidative damage and pathological abnormalities. Beta Amyloid is a potent instigator of ROS and RNS. These reactive species rapidly initiate oxidative damage of neural, microglial, cerebrovascular cells and tissues .
Figure 6. Summary of the pathological targets in AD.
Natural Treatment & Diy Tips
First off, as weve seen above, anyone looking to prevent slow down or reverse the onset of Alzheimers and dementia should focus on movement, exercise, calming the brain, and maintaining a proper microfloral balance in their body. Various studies researchers have found that:
- Those who practice meditation and yoga have less brain atrophy in the hippocampus, which shrinks in people with Alzheimers.
- Meditation helps protects our brain by increasing protective tissues.
- Meditation increases grey matter and cortical thickness, both of which slow the brains aging rate. Also, cortical thickness has been connected with decision-making and memory.
- Meditation helps seniors feel less isolated and lonely, both of which increase the risk of developing Alzheimers.
- Meditation reduces cortisol , which has been known to increase the risk of developing Alzheimers and other dementias.
A 2019 study published in the Neural Regeneration Research journal stresses the importance of functional food and says this about herbs, primarily Mediterranean herbs like mint:
- Consumption of fresh herbs can help boost memory and reduce sugar levels in the body.
- The use of herbs as a functional food could lead to significant improvements in health.
- Cognitive stimulation with medical food and medical herbs could delay the development of cognitive decline, and improve the quality of life of Alzheimers disease patients.
And, yes, essential oils can add an extra boost to this approach.
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Here Are 3 Of The Best Essential Oils For Memory:
1. Rosemary – The beautiful, herbaceous aroma of Rosemary makes it one of the most well known of essential oils. Rosemary is also the most studied essential oil for effects on memory. It’s proven study after study that simply by inhaling Rosemary, your cognitive and speed & accuracy skills will improve. Rosemary and Memory Study. Rosemary contains a large amount of I,8 Cineole, a naturally occurring chemical that helps with memory as well as respiratory issues.
Try: Adding Rosemary to your diffuser with Lemon EO for mental clarity. Add Rosemary to a tissue and inhale when needed.
Do not use Rosemary if prone to seizures or if pregnant.
2. Basil – The undeniable ‘Pesto’ aroma of this herbal EO is wonderful in clearing a ‘fuzzy mind’, perfect for use with the elderly. The properties in Basil EO are balancing to the autonomic nervous system, pain relieving, and can help with sluggishness & stress.
Try: adding a few drops basil to a carrier oil like Coconut Oil. Massage into temples to clear the brain.
3. Lemon – The tart and clean aroma of lemons is loved by The sharp, uplifting and inspiring aroma of lemon has long been used to lift spirits and energize.
One study found that the diffusion of lemon essential oil into an office environment dramatically improved mental accuracy and concentration. The research results showed that the typical mistakes were reduced by 54 percent when lemon oil was diffused into an office or work room.
Essential Oils That Can Calm Ageing Adults With Dementia
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Aromatherapy is a safe and effective treatment for many symptoms of dementia. Studies show certain scents can ease anxiety, depression, and restlessness and promote sleep.
Essential oils are aromatic compounds derived from plants. They can be extracted from leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits, seeds, bark, and sap. Extracts have signature scents that offer physical and mental benefits. The use of EOs to promote wellbeing is called aromatherapy.
In 1998, an EO study was conducted with 36 seniors at a dementia day care facility in New South Wales. Subjects received 10-minute hand massages with lavender, mandarin, and geranium oils. After the massage, seniors showed better alertness, contentment, and sleep, and they became less prone to wandering, withdrawal, and agitation.
Here are seven essential oils that can make life with dementia easier.
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Refine Your Beauty Routine
Eliminate harsh ingredients from your personal care products and let your beauty shine through. Youll fall in love with the wide range of essential oils that help keep skin looking clear, boost moisture, and give you that youthful glow! Essential oils can even help make your locks look luscious! Using naturally derived ingredients, our advanced skin and hair care solutions make it easy to enjoy the beautiful benefits of essential oils every day.
Can Aromatherapy Help Alzheimers Disease
The Research Says Yes
There has recently been an upsurge in attention over the use of aromatherapy for Alzheimers disease. Several essential oils are proving effective for treating symptoms of dementia including anxiety, sleep problems, and even memory and cognitive function. Some recent findings: Lavender and lemon balm reduce anxiety and agitation. Peppermint can stimulate the appetite and support memory. Bergamot calms mood, fights depression, and aids sleep. Rosemary actually improves memory and cognition: there is clinical evidence for this! But I believe that research into the benefits of aromatherapy for Alzheimers is just beginning.
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What To Look For When Buying Essential Oils
There are things to look for to make sure youre buying high-quality oil, says Rodgers, including the following:
- Organic is the best make sure the product has a USDA certified organic label.
- Read the label. It should include the country of origin, where the plant came from, the Latin name, as well as how the oil was extracted. Safety data should be included as well.
- A dark blue or amber bottle protects the aromatic and therapeutic properties of the oil.
- Be wary of an essential oil that carries claims that it can cure anything. If an oil claims to cure cancer or Alzheimers disease, be suspicious.
How Frankincense Helped My Mom With Alzheimer’s To Talk
- First, Frankincense is classified as an anti-inflammatory herb. Researchers believe that frankincense can prevent the release of “leukotrienes”, which are compounds that can cause inflammation.
- Second, Frankincense contains “sesquiterpenes”, chemical constituents that help increase the amount of oxygen in the limbic system of the brain. Sesquiterpenes are unique because they have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Third, Frankincense may help to support cellular function due to its cytophylactic properties, which means that it facilitates the regeneration and oxygenation of cells, including brain and skin cells.
“If they could find an agent that would pass the blood-brain barrier, they would be able to find cures for ailments such as Lou Gehrigs disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimers disease, and Parkinsons disease.”
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Clinical Studies With Rosemary Essential Oil: Alzheimers Disease
A positive and encouraging study concluded that there was some potential for aromatherapy in helping to improve cognitive function in Alzheimers disease patients.12 In the study, rosemary and lemon essential oils were used in the morning, followed by lavender and orange essential oils in the evening. Results showed a significant improvement in personal orientation related to cognitive function.
Proven Essential Oils For Dementia
An aging population means that we are seeing an increase in those suffering from the terrible effects of dementia. In fact the CDC estimates that as many as 1 in 9 people over the age of 65 is suffering from dementia caused by Alzheimers disease which is by far the most common form of dementia.
While the search for a cure is ongoing, there may be some natural help provided by certain essential oils which can be used to improve cognitive abilities and ease some of the symptoms of dementia like stress and depression. This may be good news for both sufferer, families and professional care givers alike.
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The Benefits Of Aromatherapy And Essential Oils For Memory Care
Aromatherapy and essential oils have been in use for generations to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and depression. Essential oils can also boost memory, improve moods and ease agitation in patients living with Alzheimers or dementia.
Vineyard Henderson will utilize aromatherapy in our spa, as well as during massages and physical therapy treatments. Our life enrichment programs are designed to use cutting edge methods to enhance our residents physical and mental wellbeing. To learn more about this practice, read our guide on the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils for memory care.
Essential Oils: The Missing Link:
Essential oils are the missing link in modern approach to care. Aromatic protocols exist dating back 5,000 years. Through time, plants have continued to be the source of extensive research. Essential oils are the most powerful part of the plant. They have been used throughout thousands of years to support everyones life. They began international commerce because of their importance. Oils provide delicate fragrances to balance mood, lift spirits, restore vitality and create a pleasing atmosphere. Oils, much like our blood, carry essential nutrients to oxygenate cells. Their chemistry is highly complex.
Therapeutic-grade oils by Young Living, the world leader in Aromatherapy, maybe beneficial for clarity and soothing effects. For alertness, Ive used Brain Power, Peppermint and Clarity. For occasional nervous energy, I suggest Peace & Calming on the soles Oils can be applied directly on the body or diffused using a cold-air diffuser.
Applied topically, oils are in the bloodstream within to 2 minutes. Most oils in todays market are adulterated with chemicals, synthetics and fillers. Short cuts are taken to only install for aromatic molecules, meaning you will bet the smell of lavender, not the pure, therapeutic grade benefits.More and more, healthy-minded people are looking for natural alternatives for themselves and their loved ones.
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Essential Oils And Memory
Memories are made in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. Memories that are accompanied by external stimuli such as emotions or scents are typically easier to recall. Thats why certain scents can instantly conjure memories and even help you recall additional details. You might have memories connected to the smell of salty sea air, the earthy scent of a forest, or the citrusy aroma of a tangerine.
Of Our 5 Senses Smell Is The Strongest Trigger For Memory
Memory is strongly linked to the sense of smell. Have you ever smelled something and immediately your mind took you back to a specific place & time? Smell roses, and think of your Grandma. Smell cinnamon and think of your childhood kitchen. Smell Patchouli and thinking of the 70’s.
There have been numerous studies done on the effects of inhaling essential oils on memory and focus. The benefits are clear. Whether you are studying, tired, confused, hormonal or suffering from Dementia and Alzheimers. We all need a little natural help to keep our minds sharp.
In one study, Rosemary & Lemon EO’s were diffused in the air to help patients with Alzheimer’s improve their cognitive function. Study from 2010 . Rosemary & Lemon were used as they activate the sympathetic nervous system to strengthen concentration and memory. The study also used Lavender & Orange oils in the evening to aid in relaxation and calming the parasympathetic nervous system.
In fact there are more studies on Rosemary Essential Oil and it’s beneficial effects on both cognitive function and speed & accuracy functions.
It’s no surprise that ALL THE OILS FOR MEMORY ARE DERIVED FROM EDIBLE SOURCES. Food is a huge memory trigger. Another similarity is that these are energizing oils. So by breathing in energizing oils helps clear the fog from your mind.
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How Are Essential Oils Used As Therapy
Essential oils are most often used for aromatherapy, in which the odor is inhaled, or theyre applied to the skin, often as part of a massage.
There are a few different ways to inhale essential oils, including these:
- Place a few drops of essential oil in an essential oil diffuser and leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Take a sniff of an aroma stick , a portable, usually plastic, stick with an absorbent wick that holds the oil.
- Place a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and sniff it.
When an essential oil is inhaled, it stimulates the smell receptors, which carry positive messages through the central nervous system to the limbic system, according to the Mayo Clinic. The limbic system is the part of the brain that controls emotions.
At Integrative Medicine and Health at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, practitioners dont apply essential oils onto the patients but rather use them for inhalation only. These oils can be inhaled or used for massage when used on dementia patients both can have good effects, says Nancy J. Rodgers, a certified massage therapist and aromatherapist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. But, Rodgers adds, There just isnt enough research yet for safe applications to our compromised hospital patients.
If you have the scent around too much, as with a diffuser, you can saturate the olfactory system, and you dont even recognize the scent anymore, so its not having that much of an effect, Dr. Cutshall says.
Aromatherapy And Dementia / Alzheimer’s Disease
Various small-scale studies have been conducted into the benefits of aromatherapy for dementia and Alzheimers with encouraging results. It is thought that certain oils can help to improve sleep, cognitive function and memory, and decrease anxiety, agitation, aggression and other psychotic symptoms. It is also thought that the physical act of massage can have a calming and soothing effect.
In a 2009 study involving 28 patients, a blend of Lemon and Rosemary essential oil was diffused in the morning from 9am to 11am and a blend of Lavender and Orange was diffused in the evening from 7.30pm to 9pm. The Lemon and Rosemary blend was to activate the sympathetic nervous system to strengthen concentration and memory, whereas the Lavender and Orange blend was to activate the parasympathetic nervous system to calm the patients’ nerves. At the end of the study significant improvement in cognitive function was observed following the aromatherapy treatment, along with some significant improvement in concept understanding and the ability to form abstract ideas. Some improvement in movement was also noted .
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How Essential Oils Are Made
Essential oils are generally extracted from plants and herbs.
There are two ways this is done.
One of them is through expression which uses mechanical pressure to force the oil out. The other is distillation where the steam releases compounds from the plants.
A cooling system is then used on the vapor as the stream converts back to the water. The oil will float on top when the mixture cools.
Using Essential Oils Safely For Alzheimers Disease
Neither Rodgers nor Cutshall encourages people to ingest essential oils, even though some of the companies that sell oils say its safe to do so.
We dont have any good evidence to show how the oils might interact with other things the patients are taking. It could cause irritation or another negative reaction, says Rodgers.
Make sure you read the instructions on the label of the product youre using or talk to a certified professional about the correct amount of essential oil to use. Just because a little is good, a lot is not better. Some people think that if they have success with a small amount that it might be better to do more, says Rodgers. At Mayo Clinic, therapists just use two drops on a cotton ball for inhalation.
The essential oil has a chemical makeup, and there can be negative effects if you arent careful, says Cutshall.
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Clinical Studies With Rosemary Essential Oil: Memory In General
The use of rosemary essential oil with memory loss and, in particular, Alzheimers disease, has produced positive results in various clinical studies. Unfortunately, many of these studies fail to mention which particular chemotype of rosemary essential oil was used.
One study suggested increased alertness and lower anxiety scores when rosemary essential oil was given to the study group.9 The study group also completed math computations more accurately and more quickly than the study group who were given lavender essential oil. Another study also showed similar results.10