Aromatherapy for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Aromatherapy and Alzheimer's Disease

The effect of aromatherapy and olfactory stimulation on Alzheimer's disease and dementia has not been studied to the extent that the effects of stimulating other senses have. There are several studies, on the other hand, that conclude that certain aromatherapy oils, when used with people who have Alzheimer's, do have a positive effect on mood, behavior, and even on cognitive functioning.

"Aromatherapy" is a somewhat misleading term, since it isn't necessarily the aroma of the oils used that causes the desired effect, rather a direct effect that the oils have on the body, whether through contact with the lungs (breathing), or the skin (massage or body oils and lotions). Aging and dementias can both diminish the olfactory sense, but since a direct pharmacological effect of the oils is responsible for the healing effects, a diminished sense of smell should not be a concern when considering aromatherapy.

What is Aromatherapy?

The term aromatherapy was first used by Ren�-Maurice Gattefoss�, a French chemist who discovered, purely by accident, that lavender oil had a healing effect on burns. Since then many have studied the healing effects of different essential plant oils.

Aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils to improve psychological and physical health and prevent disease, and to affect mood. These oils are distilled from different parts of plants and contain the essence of the plant. Plants and herbs have a long and lustrous history in relation to our health. They have long been used for their healing properties, in herbal medicine, in our food, and as aromatherapy. Modern medicine has derived many of its most potent and important medicines from plants.

Essential oils are used in various ways. Inhalation is the most common and obvious: For this we offer two types of diffusers which disperse the oil into the air to be breathed. We also offer several oils in hydrosol form that can be sprayed into the air or, for example, onto a pillow. Spraying Lavender hydrosol onto a pillow before bedtime can be an aid to sleeping.

The Oshadhi oils that we offer are among the best and purest available anywhere in the world. Impeccable care is taken in the growing, extracting, filling, and packing of these essential oils. All Oshadhi products are completely hand-crafted, from farm to bottling, without the use of electro-magnetic machinery to avoid disruption of their exquisite properties. We list only a few products that have been found specifically to aid Alzheimer's and dementia symptoms, but we can make available a full line of aromatherapy oils and products Contact us if you are interested in something related to aromatherapy that is not offered in our store, or just for information to satisfy your curiosity.

Using Aromatherapy Oils

Essential oils are most commonly inhaled and absorbed into the linings of the lungs. They can also be applied directly to, and absorbed through, the skin. Care should be exercised when using and administering essential oils. Only diluted oils should be applied directly to the skin. Bath oils, facial oils, and skin care products containing essential oils are all appropriate for this purpose. Pure essential oils can also be diluted with carrier oils, also available on request.

Some methods of use and application suitable for people who have Alzheimer's disease:

• Ambient Diffusion
  Diffusers disperse essential oils into the air, either in a cool mist or by gently warming.
• Massage
  Massage combines the therapeutic benefit of touch with those of essential oils. Massage relaxes and improves muscle tone, improves blood circulation and lymph flow, essential to the body's immune response. Massage oil is 24 drops of essential oils (oils can be combined if desired) in 2 ounces of an organic carrier oil or unscented lotion.
• Body Oil
  Best used after a shower or bath, body oils condition the skin, as they deliver aromatherapy treatment through skin absorbsion. Body oil can be prepared by mixing 6-10 drops of the desired essential oil in 2 ounces of an organic carrier oil, like Grapeseed or Sunflower oil.
• Bath
  A good way to relieve muscular and emotional stress while soothing skin conditions. Use 8-10 drops in a full tub of warm water.
• Direct Inhalation
  Put 2 or 3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale through the nose. Pause, and repeat as desired.
• Foot Bath
  2-4 drops of oil in a tub of water or a Massaging Foot Bath is a perfect way to soothe tired feet. Cool water is invigorating and energizing, warm water is relaxing. Soak feet for ten minutes and pat dry.
• Compress
  Add 2-5 drops of oil to water (warm or cool) in a bowl or basin. Stir well, and soak a cloth in the water. Wring the infused cloth and apply to the skin.
• Mist
  Misting is a convenient way to impart the aroma of an essential oil into the air. Add 20-30 drops of oil to 8 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake vigorously and mist the air.

Precautions When Using Aromatherapy Oils

Essential plant oils are relatively safe if certain precautions are followed. If you have a question or a concern about the proper or safe use of any aromatherapy product, please call (our phone number is at the top of every page on the Website) or contact us. Some general guidelines follow:

• If you, or the patient for whom you are considering aromatherapy, is under the care of a physician, consult that physician before introducing essential oil therapy.
• Never put an undiluted essential oil in direct contact with the skin. There are exceptions to this directive, but only under direct supervision of a trained aromatherapist.
• If there is an allergic reaction to any essential oil, discontinue the use of that oil immediately.
• Every essential oil has its own unique properties. Precautions for particular oils are listed with that oil in the store.
• If you are using a candle diffuser that was purchase elsewhere, be careful as you always would with an open flame.

Several recent studies have concluded that aromatherapy is effective in the treatment of certain behavioral problems associated with dementia including Alzheimer's disease. Conclusions of some of these investigations include:

• Lavender oil administered in an aroma stream shows modest efficacy in the treatment of agitated behaviour in patients with severe dementia.
• ...aromatherapy with essential balm oil is a safe and effective treatment for clinically significant agitation in people with severe dementia, with additional benefits for key quality of life parameters....
• ...lavender is effective as an adjunctive therapy in alleviating agitated behaviours in Chinese patients with dementia.
• A Lavender aromatherapy hand massage program is effective on emotions and aggressive behavior of elderly with dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

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