Hypnosis can not only reduce dementia symptoms, but as it turns out, also improve quality of life for those living with the condition, says a scientist at the University of Liverpool.
A scientist at the University of Liverpool says that hypnosis can not only reduce dementia symptoms, but also improve quality of life for those living with the condition.
Dr Simon Duff, forensic psychologist, probed the impacts of hypnosis on people having dementia and then compared the treatment to mainstream health-care methods. Also, he tried to see how hypnosis compared to a type of group therapy in which participants were encouraged to discuss news and current affairs.
Alzheimer’s disease - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages, Types, Prevention, Prognosis & Treatment
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting memory and thinking and making the person increasingly dependent on others.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting memory and thinking and making the person increasingly dependent on others.
"Over a nine month period of weekly sessions, it became clear that the participants attending the discussion group remained the same throughout. The group who received 'treatment as usual' showed a small decline over the assessment period, yet those having regular hypnosis sessions showed real improvement across all of the areas that we looked at," said Duff.
He added: "Participants who are aware of the onset of dementia may become depressed and anxious at their gradual loss of cognitive ability and so hypnosis - which is a tool for relaxation - can really help the mind concentrate on positive activity like socialisation."
Partial Amyloid Beta Inhibition Improves Memory in Alzheimer's
An animal study conducted by New York University researchers suggests that partially inhibiting an enzyme that initiates the release of amyloid beta may help improve memory dysfunction.
An animal study conducted by New York University researchers suggests that partially inhibiting an enzyme that initiates the release of amyloid beta may help improve memory dysfunction.
Dr Dan Nightingale, co-author of the research and leading dementia consultant at the Abacus Clinic in Newark, added: "Evidence to date has shown that we can enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia through the correct use of hypnosis. We have now developed a course for clinicians who wish to incorporate hypnosis into health care plans."
Advertisement
The Lancet Says Dementia in Developing World 'Substantially' Underestimated
A new study, led by researchers from King's College London, has shown that cases of dementia in the developing world are far more prevalent than previously thought, suggesting that
A new study, led by researchers from King's College London, has shown that cases of dementia in the developing world are far more prevalent than previously thought, suggesting that
RAS/L
Immune Response to Common Mouth Bacteria Linked to Alzheimer's
A new study by New York University researchers has established a link between the body's immune response to a common mouth bacteria and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by New York University researchers has established a link between the body's immune response to a common mouth bacteria and Alzheimer's disease.
