Join us on our specific to Dementia facebook page for further info
BACKGROUND
A scientist at the University of Liverpool has found that hypnosis can slow down the impacts of dementia and improve quality of life for Alzheimer patients in seven main areas:
- Concentration on daily tasks thus retaining valued independence
- Relaxation thereby reducing anxiety which is a common feature
- Motivation, which helps to avoid depressive states
- Undertaking daily activities and keeping active
- Short term memory retention
- Memory for significant life events
- Socialization, thereby avoiding the tendency for self-isolation and depression.
Forensic psychologist, Dr. Simon Duff, Department of Clinical Psychology at Liverpool University, investigated the effects of hypnosis on people living with dementia. His study compared the treatment to mainstream health-care methods and to a type of group therapy which encourages participants to discuss news and current affairs.
Although dementia isn't just about memory loss, it's one of the key symptoms. Others include:
- increasing difficulty with tasks and activities that require concentration and planning
- changes in personality and mood
- periods of mental confusion
- difficulty finding the right words or not being able to understand conversations as easily
- being vague in their everyday conversations
- losing enthusiasm for things they usually enjoy
- taking longer to do routine things
- forgetting people or places they used to know
- difficulties finding words and thinking
- changes in personality or behaviour
- finding it hard to follow instructions
- becoming more unpredictable emotionally.
Raising the issue of memory loss – and the possibility of dementia – can be a difficult thing to do. Someone who is experiencing these symptoms may be confused, unaware they have any problems, worried or in denial.
Before starting a conversation with someone you're concerned about, the Alzheimer's Society suggests that you ask yourself the following questions:
- have they noticed the symptoms?
- do they think their problems are just a natural part of ageing?
- are they scared about what the changes could mean?
- are you the best person to talk to them about memory problems?
- do they think there won't be any point in seeking help?
When you do talk to them, choose a place that is familiar and non-threatening. And allow plenty of time so the conversation isn't rushed.
Talk to your doctor
It's important not to assume a person has dementia even if they have these types of symptoms mentioned above. Many things can produce symptoms that are similar to dementia, like strokes, depression, medicines, alcoholism, infections and hormone disorders. It's very important to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis – there may be good treatments to reverse the problem.
HELP IS AT HAND!
Tracy Swift is a Dementia Therapy Specialist
What this means is; Tracy is qualified and certified to deal with all aspects of dementia in a therapeutic setting, this can be used for improving the following conditions/symptoms:
- Concentration
- Focus
- Relaxation
- motivation
- improve activities for daily living
- immediate memory
- memory of significant events
- socialization
- overall quality of life
Overall - life improvements can be made to help with daily coping and making things a little easier on all concerned
Living well with dementia is transforming a malignant life of dementia into a productive life of REMENTIA. Rementia is defined as the regaining of lost cognitive functional abilities. People living with dementia and their caregivers can benefit from hypnosis to help them to have a better quality of life.