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Home » Blog » Alzheimer's » 6 Ways Dementia Patients Can Benefit From Yoga & Meditation

June 17, 2019 By Rena McDaniel 44 Comments

6 Ways Dementia Patients Can Benefit From Yoga & Meditation

Today, I’m welcoming back another great friend of T.D.A.C. Erica Silva is a Freelance writer by day, and sports fan by night. She writes about beauty and health-related issues (but not at the same time). She lives simply, gives generously, watches football and a technology lover. Follow her on Twitter @ericadsilva1

Erica has been a frequent visitor and you may remember her posts: 6 Early Signs Of Dementia In Elderly Women, Lewy body dementia – Symptoms and Diagnosis, or Mom with dementia – What to gift them on Mother’s Day?

Living a life with memory disorder diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s can be difficult to cope with. Alarmingly, there are many people in the world who at some point in time, but usually in the later stages of their lives, develop this disease. Currently, more than 5 million Americans are living with some kind of memory disorder and 1 in 3 senior patients die with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.

Dementia is a serious disorder that strikes older adults more commonly, and if timely treatment is ignored or the disease does not get diagnosed in its early stages, it can reduce a person’s ability to practice life’s daily routine. Diseases related to memory loss slowly and gradually affect a person’s ability to recognize important life events, loved ones, and familiar sights and sounds. Patients also have challenges associating objects with meaning.

While no permanent cure has yet been discovered for memory loss and other related symptoms, there are certain medicines that help control early symptoms, and therefore are able to delay the effects of dementia.

More recently, a breakthrough research concluded that yoga and meditation may also be helpful in preventing and improving the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. This one British study suggests that yoga and meditation may help patients caregivers socialize more and feel better in general.

Another study in which yoga and meditation were included as part of a complex 36-point therapeutic program suggests that memory loss may even be reversed with regular practice.

Here are some ways by which yoga and meditation help improve your memory and health.

Yoga and meditation improve memory

Regular yoga practice and meditation can prove to be beneficial in preventing cognitive decline and memory loss. In the 7 Amazing Brain Benefits of Meditation, the writer highlights that the patients with least symptoms of memory disorder, who practiced mindful meditation showed satisfactory results than those who didn’t. The researchers also compared meditators with non-meditators and found greater neural connectivity in their ’default mode network’ – an area of the brain which is involved in activities like daydreaming and  thinking about the past and the future.

Strengthens the brain

Through various studies, researchers have found that yoga and meditation help patients feel less isolated and lonely. These are the two feelings which can lead to an increased risk of developing memory-related diseases. Regular practice of yoga and meditation also reduce stress hormones which are known to increase the risk of developing dementia. It also helps patients feel calmer and protect the brain by increasing protective tissues.

Boosts immunity

Bhastrika Pranayama is a famous breathing exercise that helps in increasing immune power. This technique improves blood circulation and concentration, and relaxes the mind and body. It is also helpful in relieving stress, hypertension, and depression.

Reduces stress

Yoga is also highly recommended for caregivers who spend a lot of time taking care of patients with dementia. Continuously dealing with mood swings, lack of understanding and a number of other challenges can risk depleting caregivers. It holds even more, truth if the caregiver is a loved one. This is one reason why yoga is almost necessary for caregivers so they can care better. Results will show with only a few minutes of yoga and meditation every day.

Stabilizes the mood

People with dementia or other memory disorders normally experience emotional distress, mental turmoil and are in a perpetual state of confusion. Stress, anxiety and mood swings can have a negative impact on their overall health. Regular yoga and meditation are known to lower stress levels, control depression, fatigue and improve overall well-being. Various studies have also hinted that yoga may improve anyone’s mood if practiced on a regular basis.

Liberates the soul

Patients with memory loss or dementia have too many things going on in their minds. They cannot recognize anything that was once familiar, and at the final stages of the disease, most patients become silent. If caregivers help patients practice a few minutes of yoga and meditation every day, there will be a visible difference in the way patients deal with their disease. Whether they are feeling glum or dejected, or feeling at ease and hopeful can have a huge difference on the prognosis.

Conclusion

It has been observed that yoga and meditation are just as effective as brain games and crosswords for memory improvement. Incorporating yoga practice in your daily routine has many positive effects on the mind, body, and soul. If you or any of your loved ones are trying to improve their memory or offset the risk of developing memory loss or dementia, a regular practice of yoga and meditation could be a simple, safe and least expensive solution to improving your brain fitness. An even better way may be to take a yoga retreat with a loved one to fully immerse yourself in the benefits of yoga and meditation.

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Filed Under: Alzheimer's, CAREGIVING, GUEST BLOGGERS, RESOURCES, RESOURCES, TIPS, TIPS Tagged With: Alzheimer's resources, Caregiving resources, Erica Silva, guest posts

About Rena McDaniel

I'm a recovering Alzheimer's Caregiver, a former loving daughter, a current wife, mom, and grandma who remembers all too clearly what it is like on the front lines of Alz Caregiving. I provide real advice, pro tips, or excellent tools from my own experiences and other experts I find along the way. A community of caregivers supporting each other!

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Comments

  1. Kelly L McKenzie says

    August 25, 2016 at 11:01 am

    My father, who had Lewy body, practiced meditation for a few years prior to his death. He took it up as a way to deal with his stress and depression. After reading this, I do wish I’d talked with him more about whether he felt it helped.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      September 30, 2016 at 3:46 pm

      I know there are so many unanswered questions after someone passes on.

      Reply
  2. Karen @BakingInATornado says

    August 27, 2016 at 11:22 am

    I agree that any period of calm and introspection can be helpful not only to Alzheimer’s patients, but to us all.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      September 30, 2016 at 3:46 pm

      You’re so right Karen!

      Reply
  3. Mithra Ballesteros says

    August 27, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    It seems logical that as someone’s mental capacities diminish, engaging in yoga and meditation can help. But at the same time, the challenge must be so great – to be able to focus and relax. Very eye-opening.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      September 30, 2016 at 3:46 pm

      I have recently started yoga myself and I love it and meditating.

      Reply
  4. Paul Collins says

    August 29, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    Hoping to attend a meditation class tomorrow with Maureen. I’ll go by myself for a short while if I have to and bring back good news!

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      September 30, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      That’s a great idea Paul!

      Reply
  5. Liv says

    August 29, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    Funny…my mom doesn’t believe in yoga or meditation, but it’s one of my favorite activities. I can totally see it being an important of keeping your mind active.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      September 30, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      I think it must be something with the older generation. Unless it’s prescribed by a Dr. they don’t seem to see much benefit from it.

      Reply
  6. Abby@midlifecrisisnut.com says

    August 30, 2016 at 8:26 am

    Yoga – besides sleeping and drinking bubbly my favourite activity of all. When I go a few days without my set of postures, the whole family gets to feel it 😉 I even managed to get my mum involved at some point and she said it was very relaxing. xx Abby

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      September 30, 2016 at 3:48 pm

      Me too! and in that order!

      Reply
  7. Ryan says

    April 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    I didn’t realize yoga and meditation had so much benefits for those with dementia. This is very helpful, thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  8. independent living says

    July 5, 2017 at 11:47 pm

    I didn’t know that. Yoga is so magical. even dementia can be prevented.

    Reply
  9. yoga instructor NJ says

    November 28, 2018 at 8:01 pm

    Yoga gets your blood flowing. More specifically, the relaxation exercises you learn in yoga can help your circulation, especially in your hands and feet. Yoga also gets more oxygen to your cells, which function better as a result. Twisting poses are thought to wring out venous blood from internal organs and allow oxygenated blood to flow in once the twist is released.

    Reply
  10. Jalai Lama says

    January 20, 2019 at 12:25 am

    Beautiful. I just wrote about my first sound bath experience. You can read it here: https://awakeningvisions.com/sound-bath/

    Reply
  11. Adrian Willson says

    January 26, 2019 at 12:13 am

    Great post, my friend was suffering from dementia , and he started doing the yoga, and the things that he achieved by doing yoga is just unexplainable. Not only he get better from dementia but also his varicose vein problems are getting way.

    Reply
  12. nirmolkumarshaha says

    April 30, 2019 at 2:50 pm

    I concur that any time of quiet and thoughtfulness can be useful not exclusively to Alzheimer’s patients, yet to all of us.

    Reply
  13. Haralee says

    June 19, 2019 at 10:51 am

    Fascinating. Getting rid of some stress and breathing, I can totally see it!

    Reply
  14. Melissa Chapman says

    June 20, 2019 at 11:16 am

    Yoga is a great way to get physically and mentally fit and helping delay and avoid dementia is a great affect that is little known. I know keeping phycically fit helps my mind but I need to try meditation too.

    Reply
  15. Natalie says

    June 20, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    I need to get back into both yoga and meditation. I see how beneficial practicing both can be with patients who are suffering from memory loss as they require concentration and centring.

    Reply
  16. Sarah Bailey says

    June 20, 2019 at 2:43 pm

    This is a really interesting read, I wouldn’t have thought about how this kind of metal and physical activity could help someone with dementia. It is wonderful that it can and does.

    Reply
  17. Melissa says

    June 20, 2019 at 3:54 pm

    This is so interesting to me. My granny had dementia and Alzheimers. I wish I had known this then. I am a huge yogi now. I can see how it could have benefited her.

    Reply
  18. Dennis Littley says

    June 20, 2019 at 9:05 pm

    Overall I think there are benefits to be had for anyone that does yoga, but it sounds like this could be particularly helpful for dementia patients. Thanks for sharing this with us.

    Reply
  19. Theresa says

    June 20, 2019 at 11:26 pm

    I’ve tried to get into yoga before, but thought it was too slow of a process to really enjoy it. However, I’m getting older now and find it harder to keep up with cardio and aerobic exercises, it may be time to try it again, especially knowing these benefits now!

    Reply
  20. Melissa Dixon says

    June 21, 2019 at 8:15 am

    I am always hearing about the benefits of yoga so this comes as no surprise. It is nice to know that this is something that may help so many people, my grandmother would have loved this when she was struggling with dementia but she has passed away now. I would love to see more people benefiting from this.

    Reply
  21. Melanie says

    June 21, 2019 at 10:11 am

    My husband’s grandfather is suffering from dementia. I wish that we could get him to practice meditation.

    Reply
  22. Beth says

    June 21, 2019 at 10:21 am

    This makes a lot of sense to me, I need to start practicing yoga now.

    Reply
  23. Kathy says

    June 21, 2019 at 11:40 am

    What a wonderful post. I think this is great for anyone as well. Yoga and meditation are so wonderful for the mind and body. I need to get more in to this myself too.

    Reply
  24. Sarbeshwar says

    June 21, 2019 at 1:35 pm

    Yoga always leaves me feeling refreshed and energised.

    Reply
  25. Catalina says

    June 21, 2019 at 3:43 pm

    I’ve never known that Yoga has all these benefits! Thanks for sharing it!

    Reply
  26. Terri Steffes says

    June 21, 2019 at 4:45 pm

    I am all about learning what to do for my mother in law. She is deep into dementia, but we know that she can tell the difference between her favorite foods and music.

    Reply
  27. Tasheena says

    June 21, 2019 at 6:26 pm

    I really enjoyed this post. I have to incorporate more yoga and meditation in my lifestyle more.

    Reply
  28. Swathi says

    June 22, 2019 at 1:06 am

    Yoga and mediation has lot of healing powers that is why it is done in ancient India. I didn’t now it helps dementia patients. that is really wonderful.

    Reply
  29. Heather says

    June 22, 2019 at 8:01 am

    Wow, I didn’t know this! Thanks for the great read and this info!

    Reply
  30. Stephanie says

    July 13, 2019 at 5:36 am

    Hello there Rena, Thank you without question, I reflect at any rate once per day more often than not on the early morning for over a year and of late do it each morning…Surprisingly, This was exceptionally ground-breaking! I am extremely energized I have discovered this site – anticipating improving my Meditation and survey the webcast. Thank you for sharing this way of meditating.

    Reply
  31. Linda Smith says

    August 8, 2019 at 3:08 am

    This post is very helpful and knowledgeable. Yoga and meditation not only helps strengthen the brain but also enhances the ability to concentrate and focus. It reduces stress related problems and also boosts the immunity system to fight different infections. Thanks for this informative post!

    Reply
  32. yoga classes says

    September 2, 2019 at 8:27 am

    Yoga develops inner awareness. It focuses your attention on your body’s abilities at the present moment. It helps develop breath and strength of mind and body. It’s not about physical appearance.

    Reply
  33. yoga classes says

    September 11, 2019 at 7:57 am

    Another additional yoga benefit. It is not only for losing weight. Yoga is indeed very helpful in so many ways.

    Reply
  34. Louis wilson says

    October 22, 2019 at 9:43 am

    Hi !!, Very Informative blog it is!! I strongly recommend everyone to follow these great yoga exercise in their daily routine. This definitely helps to stay healthy and fit also. I personally feel the joy of happiness and positivity in the attitude after doing yoga. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  35. Michael says

    October 30, 2019 at 7:40 am

    Another additional yoga benefit. It is not only for losing weight. Yoga is indeed very helpful in so many ways.

    Reply
  36. Julia says

    November 12, 2019 at 7:15 am

    Wow, this post is very informative for me. I am warry about my fitness because I am working women how can I manage.after read your blog I am starting yoga for one hour every day and it’s easy to manage my fitness.

    Reply
  37. Bebeto Raha says

    April 30, 2020 at 8:20 am

    Thanks For Your Post. I Really Love Your Writing Style.. I Do Meditation Several Times but did not work.. Now I Do Hatha Yoga which helped me a lot

    Reply
  38. John Gatesby says

    October 19, 2020 at 3:58 am

    It all begins from your mind. Nothing like Yoga that seeks to unite mind and body, thus creating that perfect harmony in our entire body system, paving the way for good health and better immunity. So I am not surprised by the beneficial effects it has on demnetia patients.

    Reply

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