Massage Therapy For Dementia and Alzheimer's

Massage for people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s

A holistic massage therapy for dementia and alzheimer’s, can bring both comfort and relief. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 16 million people may suffer from the disease by 2050. So therapies such as massage are going to be  far more sought after.

Benefits of massage therapy for dementia and alzheimer’s

Just because someone has dementia or Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean that they will not benefit from the gentle touch of someone else as they do not lose the capacity to experience a full range of emotions.  No matter how advanced Alzheimer’s may be, the sufferer can still appreciate the many wonderful feelings that massage can bring about.

When it comes to neuro-massage, it brings with it several advantages including revitalized agility and body awareness.  It can also help to minimise feelings of confusion and anxiety. An experienced masseur will know how to use various techniques to bring about feelings of trust and reassurance.  This is a wonderful way of reducing agitation. At the same time, neuro-massage can help remove feelings of loneliness, isolation and boredom, replacing them with a feeling of well-being and comfort.

Massage by an experienced therapist

But what about the more challenging behaviours sometimes experienced by those with dementia or Alzheimer’s?  Studies have shown that massage can be incredibly effective in managing these types of problems, particularly when calming music or scented oils are included.    Because of the complexity of the illnesses, massages for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s need to be carried out by an experienced therapist. By having an understanding of the diseases, they will feel comfortable with the sufferer, no matter whether they show signs of confusion, memory loss or uncertainty.

Experienced massage therapists will bring into play finely tuned communication skills, non-verbal and verbal.  They will also be very aware of the emotional impact that this form of massage can have on a sufferer. Although the techniques used may be simple, such as hand or back massages, they can be used to deliver immense feelings of positivity.  Those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s often respond well to a simple placing of hands. As the massage progresses, the therapist will pay careful attention to the client’s expression, breathing and general demeanour, adjusting the massage process to suit.

Using scented oils or lotions

When it comes to massage therapy for dementia and alzheimer’s, even things like a simple hand massage can bring about an incredibly positive reaction.  Normally the therapist will begin by asking the client for permission to apply scented oil or lotion to their hands. Whilst holding hands, they create a connection that can be used to focus on the energies of the sufferer.  Gently massaging the fingers and applying gentle circular motions to the palms and backs of the hands should have a relaxing and therapeutic effect. 

It is up to the therapist to decide how long the massage should be and whether it should extend from the hands to the back or other parts of the body. To begin with, it is always best to take it slowly, carefully watching for reactions from the client and attuning the massage to suit their individual personality and circumstances.