Dementia is the name given to a broad range of brain diseases that cause a long-term decrease in the ability to think and remember details on a daily basis. Common symptoms often include emotional challenges, language problems, anxiety, and a decrease in motivation.
There’s no cure for dementia, although treating symptoms of the disease has been shown to greatly boost quality of life. In addition to prescription medications, providers of senior care recommend supplemental therapies like essential oils to ease anxiety, boost memory, and enhance the moods of seniors who are living with dementia. Below is a list of five essential oils that are useful in easing some of the symptoms of dementia.
1. Lavender
Lavender is a popular essential oil because of its calming properties. It’s often used to balance strong emotions and can help with depression, anger, and irritability. Lavender can also treat insomnia. To use this oil, diffuse it, use it as massage oil, or apply it directly onto bed linens.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a leading provider of homecare services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint is an energizing oil used to stimulate the mind. It’s best when used in the morning and works well in a diffuser or added to a bath.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary oil contains an ingredient called carnosic acid that can protect the brain from further neurodegeneration while simultaneously stimulating the mind. It’s also a popular culinary herb that can reinvigorate the appetite. The oil may be inhaled, diffused, or sprayed.
Families looking for top-rated Green Valley elder care providers can reach out to Embrace In-Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
4. Lemon
Lemon oil is one of the most expensive essential oils, but it has also been the subject of extensive studies. It has a calming and relaxing effect, providing relief for anxiety or insomnia, and it can also boost memory. Lemon oil can be added to a bath, inhaled, diffused, sprayed, or applied to the skin as massage oil.
5. Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang oil has historically been used to ease the symptoms of depression. It’s not only great for treating those with dementia but also for those who provide care for their loved ones if they’re facing difficulty with restlessness and insomnia. Ylang ylang oil is often combined with lemon oil to enhance the effects. It may be used in a bath, inhaled directly, diffused, or sprayed.
Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Green Valley families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. If you need professional care for your senior loved one, Embrace In-Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (520) 625-2050.