Why is aromatherapy restricted to dementia patients?

Answer 1

Aromatherapy is used for a lot more than dementia and so not restricted.

Aromatherapy is effective in treating Alzheimer's disease because the phenolic compounds in several essential oils (such as bay laurel, clove, basil, and thyme) directly reach the part of the brain most damaged by the disease (the hippocampus), scavenge the toxin responsible for the disease (peroxynitrites), and repair part of the damage caused by peroxynitrites. Peroxynitrites are implicated in many other forms of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases (including ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease), in some types of strokes, and in a number of other diseases (including type 2 Diabetes, some forms of heart disease, and some forms of cancer). The problem, however, is getting the phenolic compounds to the other parts of the brain or other parts of the body affected by these disease. This problem is complicated by the fact that the phenolic compounds contained in various essential oil can cause liver and kidney damage when ingested.

Aromatherapy may improve alertness in healthy individuals and may delay the onset of dementia, but more evidence is needed before firm conclusions can be reached in this regard.

Answer 2

Hi, In Caring for two Dementia parents, one of which was my father, I can tell you my experience. The short answer to your question to us would be "yes" it is likely to be comforting/helpful and perhaps soothing if a sense or smell which was known to be to that persons liking when they were last able to discern and vocalize their likes, and dislikes.

Explanation: We basically treated the demented patient, as though they were still 'ON board" mentally 100%. That is, to honor their likes/dislikes for room temperature, music, TV, all sensory things, even when there appeared to be no awareness or reaction on their part. Sights, smells, sounds, feelings. TOUCH is still important to a living human. Babies benefit, as do elderly, dementia patients as well as people ill with other things. I have personally done charity spot massage work for elderly/ill people, and I assure you, that they can be aware of much more than we might guess.

I maintained a daily dialogue, one sided but in an effort to maintain their dignity, and reach out to whatever depths of consciousness that they did have, we would "assume" that they STILL had feelings and responses. We believed, that just as you would never bathe someone (baby or an elder) you were caring for, in water that was too hot, you also wouldn't subject them to upsetting or difficult circumstances. "WE" really can't be fully aware of the demented ones abilities to perceive. Like someone in a coma, we don't know. So, we treat them the best ways possible with all the dignity and respect due any human being. Sorry for the length of that, but it is a sensitive subject, and I though perhaps I could address your concerns, I hope I did and best of luck.