demented aromatherapy
Dec. 7th, 2002 12:36 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
novapsycheLemon and Lavender Could Help Dementia Patients
"Aromatherapy and bright light treatment seem to be safe and effective and may have an important role in managing behavioral problems in people with dementia," said Alistair Burns, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Manchester, England.
In an editorial in The British Medical Journal, he and his colleagues said three trials done in the past year have shown the benefit of aromatherapy, particularly the use of lemon balm and lavender oil, for dementia patients.
The oils contain compounds that are absorbed into the body and seem to improve some of the symptoms of the illness.
Studies have also shown that bright light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a light box, can also ease the restlessness and sleeping and behavioral problems which accompany dementia, according to the researchers.
"Aromatherapy and bright light treatment seem to be safe and effective and may have an important role in managing behavioral problems in people with dementia," said Alistair Burns, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Manchester, England.
In an editorial in The British Medical Journal, he and his colleagues said three trials done in the past year have shown the benefit of aromatherapy, particularly the use of lemon balm and lavender oil, for dementia patients.
The oils contain compounds that are absorbed into the body and seem to improve some of the symptoms of the illness.
Studies have also shown that bright light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a light box, can also ease the restlessness and sleeping and behavioral problems which accompany dementia, according to the researchers.