Dementia is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that seriously impairs memory and various cognitive functions. Medication is used to alleviate behavioral and sleep-related symptoms to improve quality of life and end of life care for sufferers. According to Alzheimer's Australia, creative therapies can improve the mood, daily function and communication in dementia patients.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils derived from plants and infuses them with water, lotion or a carrier oil to create a safety barrier between the pure oils and the skin. In aromatherapy for dementia, a diffused version may be used in which the scent of the essential oils is steamed or sprayed into the air and inhaled. According to The Cochrane Library, a group which specializes in follow-up research and study validation, aromatherapy can improve agitated moods and other neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia patients.
Music Therapy
The Music Therapy Association of British Columbia suggests using music therapy for dementia patients. As of 2010, Canada considers music therapy to be the most effective approach to helping these patients. Music encourages communication that may otherwise be lost due to verbal deterioration in dementia. Deeply demented individuals respond to music because it encourages movement, vocalizations and facial gestures.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a creative outlet that is more about the process than the final product. In most cases of dementia, the ability to communicate effectively is limited following the first stage, so it is imperative to find options which keep the individual involved, productive and communicating. Alzheimer's Australia considers art therapy a mainstream treatment, not a complimentary one. Art therapy can assist individuals with self-expression and improve their self-esteem by improving overall mood.
