What If You Could Magically Slow Dementia?
How would you feel if you found an easy way to halt the progression of dementia in your loved one? How would you feel if this were something that was painless and easy to do from the comfort of home?That solution could be as easy as 20 minutes of mindful meditation every day. Meditation is often recommended for caregivers as a way of relieving stress, but UCLA researchers think there could be more benefits, such as reducing the inflammatory process which can lead to Alzheimer's.
Another study revealed that daily meditation could alter the parts of the brain that are related to memory and self-awareness, possibly even restoring some of the brain's natural plasticity. That is great news for the elderly and their caregivers alike.
Bonus Reasons to Meditate
So what are 5 other benefits of meditation that can help the elderly? Only 5? There are probably close to a 100 benefits, but these are the ones that are the most important.1. Improves Self-Control
As dementia progresses, the elderly find it difficult to contain their emotions. In early stages they may be frustrated, angry, and depressed about their diagnosis. Meditation can help cope with the stress from this emotional turmoil, and allow the elder to express themselves in a more appropriate and productive manner.
2. It Can Relieve Pain
Meditation alters the way the brain reads signals, especially sensory signals. Whereas it doesn't make pain go away, it changes how the person perceives and reacts to pain, anxiety about pain, and stress from pain.
3. Increases Creativity
This may not seem like something important to caregivers or the elderly, however creativity is about more than just creating art or tall-tales. Creative thinking is also a way to solve problems. And caregiving comes with a lot of problems, for all parties.
Because every case is unique, there may not be professional solutions for every issue that arises, but increasing creative thinking could help the elderly cope better with their individual situations and their caregivers to find effective solutions that are beneficial to everyone.
4. Improves Cognition
Alzheimer's and dementia affect more than "just memories". They affect cognition, which means they affect the person's ability to take in information, process it, recognize it and utilize it at a later date. As dementia progresses, a person loses their ability to effectively communicate what they see, hear, feel and think: simply because they do not have the words to apply to these concepts.
(Ex. a person's food is cold. They may be unhappy, but they can't tell you why they are unhappy, because they cannot remember the word for "cold". Later, they may not be able to remember the difference between hot and cold, just that too much one way or the other causes them discomfort.)
Meditation has been shown (via brain scans) to increase grey matter in the brain. There was also evidence of increased activity in the areas related to memory and focus.
5. Promotes Compassion
Compassion? Empathy? These may not sound like they would benefit anyone with dementia. However, how a person behaves often results in how well they are cared for. When people become sick, they often take out their frustration and grief on those who are closest to them.
Eventually, that can lead to caregivers who withdraw emotionally, and tend only to see to basic needs. This is a bad situation for all involved. Meditation can actually improve empathy and caring, which is why it is helpful for both the elderly and their caregivers to practice meditation. When both parties can express empathy for each other, the caregiver relationship is strengthened and a healthier atmosphere is created.
Share the Moment
Who has time to meditate? You do. It doesn't have to be an hour long session. It doesn't require setting up any type of fancy equipment. It just takes practice and a dedicated schedule.
Ideally, the best time to meditate is when the person with dementia is at their best. As their caregiver, you know when they are most lucid and most cooperative. Set aside 10-30 minutes during that time of the day, remove all distractions and sit with your love done for a session of meditation.
Here is a great place to get started for learning meditation techniques:
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