Can Essential Oils Be Used To Treat Symptoms Of Dementia?
Essential oils are commonly used among aromatherapy to help relieve stress or address and sleeping issues.
But recently, after an in-depth study, essential oils could also be used to treat certain symptoms of dementia, some of which are directly related to Alzheimer’s disease.
In the US alone, 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s with most of the individuals aged 65 and older. As the population continues to age, the number of people with Alzheimer’s is set to skyrocket to 7.1 million by 2025.
Relation Between Essential Oils And Cognitive Function
There have been several studies which suggest that essential oils can be used as a natural remedy for symptoms of dementia, such as anxiety, memory loss and sleep problems. Unlike the pharmaceutical drugs, essential oils aren’t associated with adverse side effects, which makes them an extremely viable treatment for individuals who don’t wish to take any prescription drugs.
Clinical trials have determined that some essential oils can be used to help address brain disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
What’s surprising is that very few health experts mention the benefits that essential oils can bring to those plagued with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
One of the more recent trials which was observed, found that of the 28 elderly volunteers, of which 17 participants had Alzheimer’s, the effects of lavender and lemon essential oils showed significant improvement in personal orientation related to cognitive function. What they also found was that there wasn’t a single side effect.
Scientists believe that aromatherapy is a natural and effective therapy for dementia and that the treatment could help improve cognitive function, especially on patients with Alzheimer’s.
Whilst lavender and lemon are the most commonly used essential oils in these studies, data has suggested that other essential oils can help treat symptoms all of which are associate with Alzheimer’s.
Other beneficial essential oils to aid cognitive function
If someone you know has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia or a similar condition, then it’s worth considering some of the following essential oils to address their symptoms naturally and ensure that they occur no side effects.
- Bergamot – Bergamot helps you relieve any agitations, anxiety and stress.
- Ginger – Ginger can help address appetite loss and constipation.
- Lavender – Lavender helps with calmness and balance emotions.
- Lemon balm – Lemon Balm helps relieve anxiety, insomnia and promotes calmness.
- Peppermint – Peppermint can help stimulate the mind and calm any nerves.
- Rosemary – Rosemary can help stimulate both the body and mind.
- Ylang-ylang – Ylang-ylang eases depression and helps with sleep.
Essentials oils are scientifically proven to have therapeutic benefits and have been known to improve the quality of life in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.