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Massage and Dementia

From the ancient times there are varieties of message therapies around the world. Massage Therapy is quite helpful to get relief from the discomfort and symptoms of dementia. Dementia is a set of symptoms including loss of memory and loss of cognitive function, as well as affective and behavioral disturbances. Irritability, aggression and anxiety may occur in response to loss of self-control and memory of a patient. It is a progressive, deteriorating disorder that affects language, attention, memory, emotions and problem-solving capabilities of an affected person. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.

Dementia has many causes according to the type of the condition. Some dementias occur on their own and not as result of another disease. Much of the causes are still unknown, however a buildup of toxins has been mentioned as a possible connection.

Head Massage can assist in comforting a patient under distress.

One study says Touch Therapy and massaging has played a vital role to calm down the effects of dementia disorder for the patient. Light, soothing massage or other non-invasive methods such as Reiki, Aromatherapy can relax agitated behaviors of a distressed person.

Unfriendly behaviors, frequent withdrawal and separation are also common factors in people with dementia because of the patient’s inability to communicate and get along in social cultural or communication settings. All such type of behaviors can be relaxed by applying massage along with trying to maintain regular interaction with normal social and personal routine. Talking, listening and exchanging thoughts with friends or doctors is surprisingly very helpful in dealing with their abnormality problems.

Other problems associated with dementia are insomnia, depression, anxiety and grief or some kind of ego problem, misunderstanding, lack of interest in gathering knowledge can be concluded.

All such behaviors problems can be sorted out by taking short intervals of massages by professional massage

massage, shiatsu
Massage can reduce toxins in your body!

therapists. It creates a sense of peace of mind to the patient.

Subsequently each person does have different perception about message therapies; they can start with short sessions under the guidance of their physician or some massage expert. Caution– first you must ensure that the massage therapist is properly trained and credentialed.  Better still, the massage therapist is licensed by your state.

Although no standard treatment for dementia exists, its symptoms can be treated. Additional treatments aim to reduce the risk factors for further brain damage.

Thus a gentle or slow stroke massage can reduce the physical expressions of anxiety in those suffering from dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disorder.

Dementia results from brain disorders that greatly impair cognitive skills, without causing a loss of consciousness. It is most commonly found in the elderly.

Various popular alternatives are available to cure dementia; however one should be cautious while using these alternatives to slow the progress of the disease.

Learn more about massage benefits.