Alzheimer’s and Massage Therapy

Researchers at the University of Texas carried out slow-stroke massage on out-patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The aim was to monitor the character and frequency of agitation.

The study revealed that the more physical aspects of the agitation such as pacing, wandering and resistance did significantly decrease after the slow-stroke massage was carried out.

In 2000 the Mental Health Foundation highlighted the benefits of lemon balm in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers at the Medicinal Plant Research Centre at Newcastle University believe that lemon balm may help prevent the loss of the key brain chemical acetylcholine. The loss of this chemical is one of the changes associated with Alzheimer’s.

There is some evidence that aromatherapy - either alone or in combination with massage - is effective in helping dementia patients to relax.

One trial compared aromatherapy and massage, aromatherapy and conversation, and massage only. It concluded that excessive wandering could be reduced by aromatherapy and massage in combination.

Another study investigated lavender oil massage on hospital patients and results showed a reduction in agitated behaviour.

Happi Hands treatments incorporate both lemon balm and lavender oils in massage treatments for Alzheimer’s patients. Our therapists have all noted that patients who may be sitting upright will soon relax into the chair after only a few minutes of commencing treatment and will often close their eyes as the relaxation deepens.