The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Dementia Care

I attended a very informative session at the recent Alzheimer’s Association New Jersey Conference that explored the varied alternative and complementary therapies available to dementia patients. Research that deals with the easing the effects of dementia behaviors seems to show promising results in the search for new and more non-pharmacological care options for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A person-centered care approach was presented in conjunction with a broad spectrum of therapies taken from cultures spanning the globe including: acupuncture/acupressure and Tai Chi (Chinese), ayurvedic (Indian), herb and food extracts, essential oils and aromatherapy, yoga, meditation and guided imagery, massage, light therapy and vitamin and dietary supplements, reflexology, energy fields medicine such as reiki and QiGong, dance and music therapy and, something new to me, Bach flower therapy. It was suggested that these therapies, when applicable to the patient’s level of care and ability and appropriate for incorporation into their care plan, produce a calming and comforting effect that can decrease restlessness and agitated behaviors. Though cost and availability determine the availability of such therapies, they do provide promising and exciting new horizons in the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease care.