Dementia is a condition that affects the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It can lead to anxiety, changes in personality, and other challenges. While there are different types of dementia, there’s still no cure for it. Some medications can help manage dementia symptoms temporarily, but they don’t stop the disease from progressing. So, caregivers often explore natural remedies and home-based therapies to improve the quality of life for those with dementia, aiming to slow down cognitive decline and address related issues. But finding a natural cure for dementia is a matter of patience and trial and error.
Natural Remedies for Dementia
If you want to know how to cure dementia naturally, our list below will give you an idea on where to start. Find the most suitable natural treatment for dementia from our guide or incorporate it into your daily routine.
Balanced Diet
Eating well can really help people with dementia by keeping their brains healthy and slowing down how fast the disease gets worse. One good diet is the MIND diet, which focuses on things like veggies, berries, nuts, and fish, while avoiding stuff like red meat and sugary snacks. Another option is the Mediterranean or DASH diet, which also stresses eating lots of fruits and veggies and staying away from sugary and processed foods. Studies show that sticking to these diets can help keep your brain working better for longer, making you feel like you’re 7.5 years younger!
Exercise
Doing physical exercise can really help people with dementia feel better, both in their bodies and minds. When you exercise, especially aerobic exercises like walking or dancing, your brain releases a chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is super important for learning and memory. Older adults, including those with dementia, often have low levels of BDNF, but studies show that exercising can boost these levels.
This can make thinking and memory better, improve mood, and make behaviors easier to manage. Plus, staying active helps keep you fit and lowers the risk of falling. So, it’s a good idea to encourage your loved one with dementia to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, five to seven days a week. Whether it’s playing a sport or just going for a walk, staying active is a great way to help manage dementia.
Improving Sleep Patterns
People with dementia often struggle with sleep, which can make their symptoms worse. To help them sleep better, create a calm bedtime routine with relaxing activities like reading or listening to soft music. Keep their bedroom comfortable and stick to a regular sleep schedule. Be mindful of how much sleep they need, which can vary from person to person. Limit daytime naps to 20 minutes or less and avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening.
Check if their medication might be causing sleep issues and discuss any changes with their doctor. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, can sometimes help, but it’s important to start with a low dose and consult a doctor. Also, make sure any physical or mental health issues that could affect sleep are addressed.
Challenge the Brain
Doing activities that challenge the brain, like playing puzzles or learning new things, can help people with dementia think better and feel less stressed. It’s important to pick activities the person enjoys and can do without feeling frustrated. This could be anything, from hobbies to learning music. Doing these activities for at least 30 minutes every day is a good idea. Also, having a regular routine with brain games, exercise, and spending time with others can be really helpful.
Social Interaction
Spending time with friends and family doing things they enjoy can make a big difference for people with dementia. Whether it’s joining a new group, dancing, or just talking about good memories, these activities can really brighten their day. Support groups for both the person with dementia and their caregivers can also provide valuable help and understanding.
Good Oral Hygiene
Taking care of teeth is super important for everyone, but especially for people with dementia. Because of problems with memory and skills, they might struggle to brush their teeth properly, leading to issues like cavities. But it’s not just about teeth—bad oral health can also be linked to dementia. To keep teeth healthy, it’s essential for patients to brush daily and see a dentist regularly. As dementia gets worse, caregivers might need to help with dental care and other daily tasks.
Bright Light Therapy
Using bright light therapy can be helpful for dementia patients, especially if they have trouble sleeping or feel restless or anxious. It’s simple to do at home with a light therapy box. These boxes emit light similar to natural sunlight and can be bought online at an affordable price. Sitting near this light for a while each day may help reset the patient’s body clock and make them feel calmer, improving their sleep.
Music Therapy
Music therapy can reach deep into our memories, making it a great help for people with dementia. It can calm them down, ease anxiety, and make their life better overall. You can do this at home by playing lively music during the day to keep them active and something calm in the evening to help them relax before bed.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves putting thin needles in certain spots on the body to help with health. Research suggests it can help people with dementia feel better by making them think clearly, improving mood, helping them sleep, and making daily activities easier.
Try the Holistic Approach to Managing Dementia
If you’re caring for someone with dementia, explore these natural remedies to improve their quality of life. Simply encouraging a balanced diet or incorporating daily exercise can greatly improve their well-being. Also, don’t forget to keep their brain active with stimulating activities and social interactions with loved ones. By integrating these approaches into your caregiving routine, you can help support the well-being of your loved one with dementia.