About 36 million people live with dementia worldwide and the World Health Organisation predicts 66 million will have dementia by 2030 and more than 115 million in 2050, which will impact on all health systems worldwide.
What can Reflexology offer to make a positive difference to someone living with dementia? There are a growing number of research studies and trials in relation to reflexology. One paper by Nancy A Hodgson RN PHD CS, and Susan Andersen, B.S., C.H.E.S The clinical efficacy of reflexology in nursing home residents with dementia, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2008;14(3) indicated “the findings support preliminary evidence that reflexology treatments may be beneficial in the management of distress in nursing home residents with mild to moderate stage dementia”.
Nancy’s results demonstrated a significantly greater decrease in symptoms of pain, depression and physiologic measures of stress for the residents given reflexology treatment, than for those in the control group. The conclusion was that “these clinical findings support the use of reflexology in nursing home residents with mild/moderate dementia.”
Dementia can also include Alzheimer’s disease and every condition experienced can have the potential to respond favourably to a therapeutic and loving touch.
My experience is that there are many stages of dementia. Some patients are aware of their slow decline in cognition while other patients experience a rapid decline. Some can suffer audible or visual hallucinations and delusions, causing severe fear and anxiety. Some confabulate and truly believe what they are recalling. Some may not communicate at all.
There is nearly always an underlying depression or anxiety as well. As the disease progresses, simple communication can be difficult. Patients can also become disorientated, agitated, non-compliant and unsettled.
If you work in a nursing home, are caring for a loved one with dementia or are a massage therapist, you should consider this wonderful therapy for people living with dementia.
As a Reflexologist, I can attest to the efficacy of calming the emotions of a dementia patient in a nursing home environment. Recently I had a moving experience with my 89 year old father-in-law when visiting him in the nursing home. When we arrived he was upset, confused, extremely agitated and non-compliant with nursing staff. After 10 minutes of giving him the loving touch of hand reflexology he was settled, calm with eyes closed, then sleeping. Nursing staff were amazed at the change in him in such a short period of time.
Foot Reflexology or Hand Reflexology?
Confused older people living with dementia may become distressed if their shoes and socks are removed for foot reflexology.
The hands, however, are a natural option to comfort and massage, especially if a carer or relative is involved.
Why?
Hand Reflexology is the better option, rather than foot reflexology and is much gentler for the dementia patient. Reflex points on the hands can be worked frequently and without side effects. It can be gently introduced to the patient as no items of clothing or shoes need to be removed. This treatment is non-invasive, and this loving touch is very relaxing and therapeutic for the elderly. It may even calm the mind and emotions, especially for patients suffering from anxiety.
A reflexologist can discretely work all the systems of the body whilst performing gentle and specific reflexology massage. It may also relieve any aches and pains they have. This will give them a better feeling of wellbeing, which may in turn lift their mood. Never underestimate the power of therapeutic touch.
Deborah offers short training sessions on hand reflexology for therapists, relatives, carers and nursing staff. She demonstrates simple but effective hand techniques, together with methods of helping relax and calm a person living with dementia.
Some relatives feel powerless when visiting their loved ones who do not respond or communicate easily. Nursing staff may gain valuable techniques to use in various situations, when the person may become distressed, anxious or agitated.
Dementia is one of the greatest medical challenges of the 21st century and I believe that the complementary therapy of reflexology should be considered, alongside other modalities and treatments. It offers valuable support to dementia patents and those who care for them.
References:
- Booth, Lynne HMAR Reflexology and Dementia paper boothvrt.com
- Hodgson, Nancy A, RN, PhD, CS: Andersen S The clinical efficacy of reflexology in nursing home residents with dementia The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2008; 14(3)
