Massage therapists can bring a unique perspective to the care of people living with Alzheimer’s by highlighting the role of compassionate human touch in satisfying human needs on all levels. Relaxation techniques such as massage show promise to decrease agitation and improve quality of life in individuals with dementia.
Confusion and anxiety are common emotions for people with Alzheimer’s as they struggle with memory loss and the ability to communicate clearly. Often, they are restless and agitated, particularly at night. By simply massaging someone’s hand for a few minutes, these stressful feelings can be relieved, improving quality of life for both the person with Alzheimer’s as well as the care giver.
Some research has been done on the benefits of massage for people with Alzheimer’s. A 2002 study by R. Remington focused on the effect calming music and hand massage had on agitated behavior in persons with dementia. Results indicated that this combination of music and massage actually reduced verbal agitation, and this lasted about an hour for the person who received the massage.
Other benefits of massage include increased body awareness and alertness. Touch is essential to humans to survive and thrive and is a form of communication. The sensory stimulation of massage can awaken awareness and relieve physical discomfort, as well as be a form of social interaction to ease the effects of loneliness and boredom that people with Alzheimer’s often feel. As a result, quality of sleep can also improve.
It is important for certified massage therapists to have a basic understanding of Alzheimer’s and the stages people with Alzheimer’s go through. Therapists need to be comfortable with a person that exhibits characteristics of the disease, such as confusion, disorientation, memory loss and personality changes.
For care givers who might not necessarily be certified, gentle massage—rubbing the hands or shoulders for a few minutes, even gently rubbing the temples—is a wonderful way to communicate with a loved one and show that you care.