Massage and Dementia

Think of it:  A knock on the door, a face peers inside followed by a table and/or a bag full of oils and scents.  The person coming in smiles and has a very calming demeanor.  It’s massage time!  Who couldn’t resist!  This would be bliss for the majority of readers.

The reason for Mom receiving massage had more to do with her stiffening joints and muscles, and to make an attempt to combat the tremors associated with the Parkinsonism; she also has complained for some time of back pain, which seemed to cease after a couple of weeks of the massage therapy in the past.  

Although a 2006 study (Massage and touch for dementia.) determined that while hand massage seemed to calm agitation, and also helped with encouragement for eating, there really were no viable results that demonstrated massage to be an effective treatment for dementia.  

However, in an April 2015 article, The Role of Massage Therapy in Dementia Care, from Massagetoday.com, clear evidence has been reported with the simplest forms of massage - foot, hand/arm, and back massages.  

The feeling of someone touching and caressing the body also helps release endorphins, while also reducing anxiety, depression, and other psychological and physical ills suffered by the patients.  

Remember, so many people in care facilities are not held or have no physical contact rather than what the caregivers may grant - professionally.  And so many are left alone by their families that they begin to feel isolated and alone.  

Light therapy and the inclusion of wide spaces with generous amounts of light/sunlight has proven very therapeutic, and with a massage this may help alleviate anxiety and some symptoms associated with the condition.  Yet, it has no effect on actual dementia.   There is an interesting article from the Alzheimer’s Society in the UK from 2014 which discusses the effects of various therapies, and what has been observed in patient response (Complementary and alternative therapies).

I do find it interesting that such small incidents of touch  - be it taking Mom outside, for a walk, to the shower and bathing her, and even massage, seem to affect her mood and disposition.  While it hasn’t affected the actual dementia, I do know that the endorphins that have been released will grant her asylum from some of the damage for a bit - if only that she might forget her pain (It’s rather ironic, I know, that I speak of forgetting - can you find something more apropos?)

As Mom declines, and hospice begins to take over, there is more opportunity to learn from the team insofar as treatments and other methods that we hadn’t considered earlier.  

Mom will continue to receive massage as long as she allows it.  At this point in time, why keep her from some moments of bliss, even if it’s only for some sensorial good.