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Alternative medicine

By Mayo Clinic staff

People with dementia often experience a worsening of their symptoms when they are frustrated or anxious. The following techniques may help promote relaxation.

  • Music therapy, which involves listening to soothing music
  • Pet therapy, which involves the use of animals, such as visits from dogs, to promote improved moods and behaviors in people with dementia
  • Aromatherapy, which uses fragrant plant oils
  • Massage therapy
Coping and support Lifestyle and home remedies

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    Children
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  • Dementia
References
  1. NINDS Dementia with Lewy bodies information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementiawithlewybodies/dementiawithlewybodies.htm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  2. Hake AM, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  3. Hake AM, et al. Epidemiology, pathology, and pathogenesis of dementia with Lewy bodies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  4. Diagnosis. Lewy Body Dementia Association. http://www.lbda.org/content/diagnosis. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  5. Hake AM, et al. Prognosis and treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  6. Symptoms. Lewy Body Dementia Association. http://www.lbda.org/content/symptoms. Accessed Feb. 1, 2013.
  7. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Jan. 28, 2013.
  8. Shadlen MF, et al. Evaluation of cognitive impairment and dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 1, 2013.
  9. Dementia: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/detail_dementia.htm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  10. Communication and Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/dementia-communication-tips.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  11. Creating a daily plan. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/dementia-creating-a-plan.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  12. Press D. Treatment of behavioral symptoms related to dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  13. Sleep issues and sundowning. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-sleep-issues-sundowning.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  14. Buettner LL, et al. Animal-assisted therapy for clients with dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 2011;37:10.
  15. Being a healthy caregiver. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-healthy-caregiver.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  16. Respite care. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiver-respite.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  17. Caregiver stress. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiver-stress-burnout.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  18. U.S. News best hospitals 2012-2013. U.S. News & World Report. http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  19. Smith GE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 28, 2013.
DS00795 April 17, 2013

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