Alzheimer's disease is currently the most common form of dementia that occurs in late life. This neurological condition permanently affects the brain, and has no known cure. Alzheimer's progressively impairs memory, day-to-day functioning, and eventually requires total care for patients. Holistic remedies for Alzheimer's disease can complement ongoing medical treatments to lessen the impact of symptoms, improve quality of life for both patient and caregivers, and possibly slow the disease's progress.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
Although Alzheimer's cannot be cured, promising evidence exists for slowing its path with self-care treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). A 2006 review of CST studies published in the journal "Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica" concluded that CST is effective, especially for improving problem-solving, mood and making every-day decisions in Alzheimer's patients. Word puzzles, games and social activities such as playing cards and reading hone cognitive abilities, reducing the pace of symptom acceleration and increasing the patient's ability to self-manage for longer periods of time.
Reminiscence Therapy
Holistic therapy makes life easier for patients and caregivers by attending to emotional aspects of illness that have previously been ignored in medical care. This approach shines in reminiscence therapy, as discussed in a 2008 article in the journal "Nursing Standard." This therapy improves caregiver and patient relationships while utilizing the fact that Alzheimer's disease often does not affect long-term memory access until after short-term memory begins to fade. Asking questions about the past and inviting patients to tell their stories is also deeply therapeutic, encouraging life-review. Photo albums, jewelry and souvenirs can be used to trigger memories and reminiscence.
Music Therapy
Music therapy has a profound affect on a patient's quality of life, especially late in the progression of the disease when talking and communication is no longer easy between patients and caregivers. Violent and demented patients with advanced Alzheimer's respond more favorably to music than the use of medications or other typical care procedures such as restraint or passive neglect. Furthermore, music therapy can be helpful earlier in the progress of the disease. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America suggests that music therapy can increase emotional bonds between caregivers and, in general, improve the mood of everyone involved in the caregiving.
Natural Remedies
Unfortunately, natural remedies, the most publicized holistic treatments of Alzheimer's disease, are also the most notorious and unproven. Alz.org, the Alzheimer's Association, warns that most natural remedies have not been approved by the FDA, nor are they backed by much scientific evidence. Some of these remedies include Ginko biloba, coral calcium, and omega-3 supplements. Most importantly, if combining natural remedies into Alzheimer's care, keep the lines of communication open with your physician in case of contraindications between natural remedies and pharmaceuticals.
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