The University of Liverpool has just published a study which demonstrates that hypnosis can slow the symptoms of dementia. As you may know, dementia is a neurological condition which can result in people losing their memories- they can forget where they live, they forget people they love, and tend to become more withdrawn and less social as the disease progresses.
In this study, dementia patients were treated with hypnosis, and showed improvements in memory, concentration, and levels of social interaction compared to a group who did not undergo hypnosis. In addition, for the hypnosis dementia group, relaxation, interest, and motivation also improved, as did participation in the activities of daily living (ADL’s). Activities of daily living would include behaviors such as taking a shower, fixing a meal, and so on.
This research suggests that hypnosis can improve the quality of life for people with dementia, helping them soothe the anxiety and depression that often occurs with the disease.
Evidence suggests that hypnosis is a useful tool in helping slow the impact of dementia, and should be added to the treatment regiment for those suffering from the disease.
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This is very interesting news. Since most people who suffer from dementia in the United States are generally covered under Medicare, do you know if Medicare would reimburse for this type of treatment? Would it be possible for this type of program to be implemented at the senior daycare centers who take care of people with dementia?
It is amazing that folks like you can help a lady like me with a very able mind … although my children and friends tell me that I am losing it!
This would be great for my grandmother. She is so wise and intelligent, and it hurts so much to see her mind diminishing.
OMG this is so interesting. My mother is having symptoms of dementia and they say there isn’t much we can do. I am going to pursue this with a therapist and see if we can have her start with some type of hypnosis program. Thank you so much for having such great information available.
I’m with Allyson. If a family member is suffering and I can help them through hypnosis, I will do that. As it may be hereditary, I may be in that same place one day … and hope that my children are watching … so that they can do the same for me should I require this.
I just hit 50 years old … and my children (teenagers/young adults) are continually telling me I’m losing it. Isn’t this a early age to be experiencing dementia? Will hypnosis help me tell my children that I’m OK?
Estelle Getty, who played “Sophia” (Bea Arthur’s character’s mother) on “The Golden Girls” recently passed away, and she had dementia. The brain, just like any organ of the body, is susceptable to giving out. The brain is so complex, though, it just doesn’t quit, as would another organ; no, it has different ways that it conks-out. Dementia is one of them. Worse than just forgetting people - you forget how to do things. And that’s hard for your loved ones to watch, especially if that person was known throughout life to educate.
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