Hypnosis Shown To Reduce Symptoms Of Dementia
A scientist at the University of Liverpool has found that hypnosis can slow down
the impacts of dementia and improve quality of life for those living with the
condition.
Forensic psychologist, Dr Simon Duff, investigated the effects of hypnosis on
people living with dementia and compared the treatment to mainstream health-care
methods. He also looked at how hypnosis compared to a type of group therapy in
which participants were encouraged to discuss news and current affairs.
They found that people living with dementia who had received hypnosis therapy
showed an improvement in concentration, memory and socialisation compared to the
other two treatment groups. Relaxation, motivation and daily living activities
also improved with the use of hypnosis.
Dr Duff said: "Over a nine month period of weekly sessions, it became clear that
the participants attending the discussion group remained the same throughout.
The group who received 'treatment as usual' showed a small decline over the
assessment period, yet those having regular hypnosis sessions showed real
improvement across all of the areas that we looked at.
"Participants who are aware of the onset of dementia may become depressed and
anxious at their gradual loss of cognitive ability and so hypnosis - which is a
tool for relaxation - can really help the mind concentrate on positive activity
like socialisation."
Further research will now take place to establish whether hypnosis maintains its
effects on dementia as the illness progresses, over longer periods of time.
Dr Dan Nightingale, co-author of the research and leading dementia consultant at
the Abacus Clinic in Newark, added: "Evidence to date has shown that we can
enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia through the correct
use of hypnosis. We have now developed a course for clinicians who wish to
incorporate hypnosis into health care plans."
-- The seven areas used to measure quality of life were concentration,
relaxation, motivation, activities of daily living, immediate memory, memory of
significant life events and socialisation. These were chosen as the main factors
for patients with dementia by health workers.
-- The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading
research-intensive institutions in the UK. It attracts collaborative and
contract research commissions from a wide range of national and international
organisations valued at more than £108 million annually.
The University of
Liverpool
Source:
Medical news today July 29, 2008
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