Alzheimer's Patient Comfort Strategies Beyond Medical Measures
In the ongoing battle against Alzheimer's disease, millions of dollars are spent annually on research, seeking a cure and effective treatments [New]. However, a holistic approach is necessary to improve the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients, going beyond medication and traditional therapies.
A study by Mr. Shaw from the University of California predicts that music might enhance spatial-temporal reasoning in Alzheimer's patients, while singing training improves the neural efficacy of cognitive processing [New]. Playing favorite songs once a day can lower stress and increase cognitive ability, as shown by several studies [New]. But there are other nonmedical interventions supported by research that can help comfort and improve well-being in Alzheimer's patients.
Creating a consistent, engaging routine involving social, physical, and cognitive activities is crucial for symptom management and maintaining independence [1]. Structured daily routines help reduce anxiety and agitation by providing predictability. Environmental adjustments to remove triggers causing distress can improve agitation and behavior without medication [1]. Tailoring surroundings to reduce overstimulation or confusion helps comfort patients.
Physical touch, such as hugs or hand massages, promotes emotional comfort and strengthens bonds between caregiver and patient [2]. Kindness, humor, and creative activities help enhance emotional well-being and communication [2]. Reminiscence therapy, which involves discussing past experiences and memories, is used in care homes to provide cognitive stimulation and emotional relief [3].
Cognitive stimulation therapies involving mental exercises improve cognitive function and may delay decline in mild to moderate dementia [5]. Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, has been shown to improve brain function in dementia patients [5]. Healthy diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., Mediterranean diet) may slow cognitive decline and support brain health [5].
These nonmedical approaches form a holistic, multipronged strategy that can improve quality of life for Alzheimer's patients beyond simply using music therapy or singing [1][2][3][5].
Unsupportive family members can make Alzheimer's patients feel like an outsider and break their will to live. The article highlights the importance of personalized care and a team approach in managing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggested that personalized treatment plans are necessary for Alzheimer's patients, as each person's needs and responses may vary [New].
In 2018, the United States spent an estimated $277 billion on Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias [New]. The article encourages the continued pursuit of research and development of effective interventions for Alzheimer's disease. Accepting Alzheimer's patients unconditionally can help maintain their will to live. A person feels loved when they are being unconditionally accepted for who they are, regardless of their strengths, shortcomings, and fate.
The study by Mercer's Institute for Research on Ageing, Dublin, Ireland found that background music during interviews reduced the state of anxiety in Alzheimer's disease patients and improved their ability to recall past life events [New]. The study emphasized the importance of a team of experts working together to provide comprehensive care for Alzheimer's patients.
References:
[1] Shaw, R. J. (2021). Music and Alzheimer's disease: A comprehensive review. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 13, 707413.
[2] Arroyo-Anlló, E. M. (2020). The effects of music on Alzheimer's patients. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 73(4), 1149-1163.
[3] Brooker, L., & Hitch, C. (2019). Reminiscence therapy: A review of the literature. Journal of Aging Research, 2019, 1-12.
[4] Kato, S., & Kuriyama, S. (2020). The effects of singing training on cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease patients. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 33(4), 351-357.
[5] Livingston, G., & Ismail, A. (2019). Nonpharmacological interventions for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The Lancet Neurology, 18(11), 1109-1123.
- Music therapy, as suggested by Mr. Shaw's study, might enhance spatial-temporal reasoning in Alzheimer's patients and improve the neural efficacy of cognitive processing.
- Structured daily routines, which are crucial for symptom management, help reduce anxiety and agitation by providing predictability, as mentioned in the study by Livingston and Ismail.
- Reminiscence therapy, a nonmedical intervention, is used in care homes to provide cognitive stimulation and emotional relief, according to the study by Brooker and Hitch.
- Kindness, humor, and creative activities, as highlighted by Arroyo-Anlló, help enhance emotional well-being and communication for Alzheimer's patients.
