Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Essential Oils
I don't talk about this much as it is not a fun topic, but it is an important topic: my father-in-law has dementia. Watching someone you know slip away like that is rough, and it sucks to feel so helpless. Dementia sucks. Although researchers cannot agree on what causes dementia, or even how many different types of dementia there are, and even though there is not a pharmacological cure for it, there is hope. There is something you can do for your loved one if they have dementia. The good news is that it can help your loved one, the care staff, other residents if they live in a care facility, and you. You totally know where I am going with this...essential oils!
Did you know that there is a connection between the sense of smell and brain health? The loss of smell is often an early sign of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. When you smell an odor, the scent molecules (odorants) stimulate olfactory receptors in your nose. These receptors communicate with the olfactory bulb, which then sends signals to the limbic system. The limbic system contains the hippocampus and amygdala, which play crucial roles in processing smell-related information.
Amygdala: The amygdala is involved in processing emotions; it helps in associating certain smells with emotions, such as feeling happy when you smell a favorite food or feeling fearful when you smell something dangerous like smoke.
Hippocampus: The hippocampus is critical for forming and retrieving memories. Smell is strongly linked to memory, and the olfactory signals sent to the hippocampus help in creating and recalling memories associated with specific smells. This is why certain smells can trigger vivid memories from the past.
General Use of Essential Oils
The use of essential oils can offer both psychological and physiological benefits that may help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Similar to conditioning, aromatherapy can be used to create associations of aromas to positive moods and emotions.
Mood Enhancement and Stress Reduction: Reducing stress and improving mood can have positive effects on overall brain health and may alleviate some behavioral symptoms of dementia.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) can reduce anxiety by switching from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system. One of the active components of lavender, linalool, has been shown to affect serotonin receptors whish helps to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve sleep. Lavender strongly supports feelings of CALM
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a citrus oil that is emotionally uplifting while also being calming and relaxing.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)has a grounding aroma that helps reduce anxiety, stress, nervous tension, and fear. It can also improve mental focus and enhance memory and cognition.
Memory and Cognitive Function: Some essential oils are believed to enhance cognitive function and improve concentration and memory. These oils can be diffused or applied topically (diluted appropriately) to stimulate mental clarity and alertness.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is known for its ability to enhance memory, mental clarity, and alertness, rosemary essential oil can be a powerful tool in boosting cognitive function and improving memory recall. Rosemary is uplifting and stimulating and reinvigorating. Rosemary is a great aroma for starting the day as it can help with appetite, fight physical and mental fatigue, and clear brain fog. "Herby" scents like basil, rosemary, and thyme may encourage creativity, memory, and focus.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) can boost focus, concentration, and mental alertness, peppermint essential oil can help improve cognitive performance and enhance memory retention in individuals looking to sharpen their mental acuity. Peppermint is uplifting, stimulating, and refreshing, and helps support a healthy respiratory system. Peppermint and eucalyptus energize, clear the mind, and evoke greater clarity
White Pine (Pinus strobus) as well as other evergreen essential oils containing α-pinene, boosts cognition, alertness, while also reducing stress and anxiety.
Sleep Improvement: Sleep disturbances are common in dementia patients. Essential oils can promote relaxation and better sleep quality, which is crucial for overall brain health.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) can help promote better sleep quality for individuals experiencing restlessness or sleep disturbances due to dementia-related issues.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a good choice for bedtime as it helps reduce insomnia, and has been shown to relieve anxiety, stress, nervousness, and mood swings.
Melissa (Melissa officinalis) also called lemon balm, has a slight lemony aroma that can help with relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. Melissa also has been shown to help support memory.
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinesis) is uplifting, soothing, and calming, and when blended with lavender is beneficial for addressing insomnia.
Behavioral Symptom Management: Agitation and anxiety are common in dementia. Aromatherapy using essential oils can help manage these symptoms by providing a soothing environment, thereby improving the patient's quality of life.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been shown to reduce agitation and behavioral symptoms in those with dementia.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) has sedative properties and is helpful in reducing stress and anxiety while helping the mind manage emotions. Patchouli is a good oil to use in a blend to use in the evening to reduce agitation and support sleep.
Melissa (Melissa officinalis) encourages calmness, reduces agitation, and supports cognition.
Enhanced Cognitive Performance: Essential oils, especially citrus oils, have shown promise in boosting cognitive performance, potentially aiding in improving memory and cognitive functions in dementia patients. Additionally, citrus scents can be energizing, and boost the mood and appetite.
Lemon (Citrus limon) offers energizing properties, uplifts mood, and enhances attention, concentration, cognition, and memory.
Orange (Citrus sinensis) is fresh and uplifting, adding a happy note to blends while supporting mood and cognition.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) can combat mental fatigue, support alertness, and attentiveness. The components 1,8-cineole and α-pinene have both been shown to support cognition.
Be Selective
Smells are closely linked to emotions; essential oils, being tied to emotional regulation, can evoke positive emotions and memories, providing comfort and emotional stability to dementia patients. A familiar scent from childhood can provide a sense of security and happiness. We can utilize essential oils to trigger a pleasant scent memory, thus leading to calm, non-agitated behavior. When possible, work with the person with dementia to select scents that support positive emotions and avoid any that are unpleasant or evoke an unpleasant memory. One person may love the scent of lavender because it reminds them of their loving grandmother, whereas another person may be reminded of an unfriendly teacher and then become anxious and agitated.
Combining Aromatherapy with Music
Creating simple, customized essential oil blends is an accessible and effective way to support our loved ones with dementia. These blends can help ease behavioral symptoms and enhance cognitive function. Additionally, combining aromatherapy with the person’s favorite music can amplify the benefits, providing both emotional comfort and cognitive stimulation. Music has a profound impact on the brain, especially for individuals with dementia.
Stimulate Memories: Pair memory-boosting essential oils with music that your loved one enjoyed in their younger years. This combination can trigger pleasant memories and enhance cognitive function.
Enhance Emotional Well-being: Use uplifting essential oils along with lively or favorite songs to improve mood and bring joy to your loved one’s day.
Create a Relaxing Environment: Play soft, soothing music while diffusing a calming essential oil blend to create a peaceful environment. This can help reduce agitation and anxiety.
Example Routine
Morning Routine: Start the day with an uplifting blend and play cheerful, energizing music to promote a positive mood.
Use a blend of lemon, peppermint, and rosemary on a Personal Diffuser Dot or on a cotton ball placed in the chest pocket of the shirt to help minimize anxiety, confusion, depression, and stress. This uplifting blend can start the day on a cheerful note, promoting a positive mood and mental clarity.
Afternoon Activity: Engage in scent training using memory-boosting blends while playing familiar tunes that can help with cognitive stimulation.
Utilize a room spray made with a blend of orange and white pine to evoke feelings of happiness, reduce stress and anxiety, combat fatigue, and encourage an appetite.
Evening Wind-Down: Diffuse a calming blend and play soft, relaxing music to help your loved one unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
Use a diffuser blend of lavender and bergamot to create a calming atmosphere, reducing anxiety and stress, and easing into a restful night's sleep.
Conclusion
While dementia presents significant challenges, there is hope in the form of aromatherapy; essential oils can positively impact the mood, behavior, and cognitive function of individuals with dementia. From reducing anxiety to enhancing memory and creating a soothing environment, essential oils offer a holistic approach to care. By being selective with our choices and combining aromatherapy with music, we can further amplify the benefits and provide comfort and emotional well-being to our loved ones. You can (and do) make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we care for.
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