Using Lavender for Dementia is becoming more recognised. Lavender oil has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, mood, and sleep in people with dementia. It may also help to reduce agitation and anxiety. Lavender oil can be inhaled, diffused, or applied topically to the skin.
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Lavender: A Fragrant Flower for a Healthy Mind
Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects over 50 million people worldwide. It impacts cognitive function, including memory, learning, problem-solving, language, and perception. Dementia is one of the top 10 leading causes of death globally, and there is currently no cure. However, there are many things that people with dementia can do to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. One such natural remedy is lavender.
Lavender is a fragrant flowering plant that has been used for centuries for its beauty, fragrance and medicinal properties. The lavender plant is native to the Mediterranean region, the Arabian Peninsula, Russia, and Africa. Today, it is grown all over the world. There are over 40 different species of lavender. Some of the most popular varieties used for essential oils and aromatherapy are English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French lavender (Lavandula stoechas), and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas).
Lavender has a long history of traditional use for its healing and therapeutic benefits. The ancient Egyptians used lavender for mummification and perfume. The ancient Greeks and Romans added lavender to their bathwater and used it for washing and cooking. Lavender is believed to have calming, relaxing and mood-lifting properties.
Modern research is now confirming many of lavender’s traditional uses, especially for cognitive health and dementia. Studies have shown lavender can provide the following brain and mental health benefits for people with dementia:
Improved Memory
Several studies have indicated lavender enhances memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. For example, one study found that 28 elderly people with dementia who inhaled lavender oil for 60 minutes per day over 12 weeks showed significant improvement in their cognitive assessment scores compared to people who inhaled sunflower oil.
Another study showed people with dementia who smelled lavender oil for 3 minutes before taking cognitive tests showed enhanced performance on memory tasks compared to those who did not smell lavender. The lavender oil appeared to increase brain acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning processes.
Enhanced Learning Ability
Research also indicates lavender can boost learning abilities in people struggling with dementia. In one study, researchers found that elementary school children with learning disabilities showed significantly improved math and language skills after inhaling lavender oil for two months compared to control groups.
Although this study was not done specifically on dementia patients, it demonstrates lavender’s potential to enhance cognitive performance across different age groups. More research is needed, but initial evidence suggests lavender may support improved learning capacity in those with dementia.
Reduced Anxiety and Agitation
Many dementia patients experience increased anxiety, agitation, and emotional distress. Lavender aromatherapy has been shown to help decrease these symptoms.
One study found that diffusing lavender oil in the rooms of elderly nursing home residents with dementia reduced their agitated behaviours by over 60%. Another study showed massage with lavender oil lowered anxiety levels and the need for anti-anxiety medication in dementia patients.
Lavender for Dementia and Improved Sleep
Sleep disturbances are common in dementia patients. Lavender has long been used as a natural sleep aid and studies back up its ability to improve quality of sleep.
One study on elderly people with insomnia found that lavender oil aromatherapy increased their amount of slow-wave deep sleep and made it easier to fall asleep. This demonstrates lavender’s potential to help the sleep issues often faced by those with dementia.
Lavender for Dementia – Improved Mood and Sense of Wellbeing
In addition to anxiety and agitation relief, studies show lavender can effectively enhance mood for people with dementia. Lavender aromatherapy improved positive mood states in one study on dementia patients experiencing apathy and withdrawal.
Research also indicates lavender may increase the sense of well-being and life satisfaction for people with dementia. One study found lavender oil aromatherapy over 4 weeks significantly improved personal orientation, mood and relationship quality in elderly people with dementia compared to placebo.
How Does Lavender Work to Benefit the Brain?
Lavender contains a complex combination of phytochemicals and compounds such as linalool, linalyl acetate, ocimene, and terpinen-4-ol. These all contribute to lavender’s aromatic, anxiolytic, mood-lifting and neurological effects.
Though more research is needed, studies suggest several ways lavender may provide neurological and cognitive benefits:
- Increases calming neurotransmitter GABA.
- Lowers stress hormone cortisol.
- Provides antioxidant benefits that protect brain cells against damage.
- Improves blood circulation to the brain.
- Modulates brain acetylcholine which supports memory.
- Stimulates production of serotonin which improves mood.
- Alters brain wave patterns via the limbic system to induce relaxation.
Different Ways to Use Lavender for Dementia
There are several effective methods to harness lavender’s beneficial properties for dementia:
Diffuse Oil
Diffusing lavender essential oil aromatherapy in the home, office or care facility creates a calming environment. Diffusers allow airborne exposure to lavender’s neurological compounds. For dementia patients, aim to diffuse lavender oil for 30-60 minutes 2-3 times per day.
Topical Oil
Applying diluted lavender oil directly on the skin or temples can also deliver benefits. Mix 2-4 drops of lavender essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Gently rub this into wrists, neck, chest or temples.
Dried Lavender
You can make lavender tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Lavender tea provides a soothing drink that may provide mild anti-anxiety and sedative effects from oral absorption of lavender compounds.
Lavender Water Spray & Hydrosol
Make a relaxing linen spray by adding lavender essential oil or hydrosol to water in a spray bottle. Use this to mist pillows, sheets or upholstery. The soothing lavender aroma can create a calming environment and sensory cue for relaxation.
Lavender Bath
Add 5-10 drops of lavender oil or 1 cup of lavender flowers to a warm bath. Relax in the tub for 15-20 minutes to absorb lavender’s benefits all over your body. This can help reduce agitation before bedtime for better sleep.
Safety & Precautions When Using Lavender for Dementia
Lavender is very safe for most people. However, here are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Conduct a skin patch test before topical use to check for allergic reactions.
- Dilute essential oil with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation.
- Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive mucous membranes.
- Do not ingest lavender essential oil unless under the guidance of an aromatherapy professional or doctor.
- Use small doses and gradually increase topical application or diffusion as tolerated.
- Take care using dried lavender flowers for tea – they contain coumarin compounds that can interact with medications. Discuss with your doctor first.
- Lavender may increase drowsiness – avoid using before driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Lavender oil can interact with sedatives, hypnotics, and other central nervous system depressants – discuss with your doctor.
If you experience any side effects like headache, nausea or skin irritation, stop using lavender. Seek medical care if symptoms are severe. Monitor yourself carefully when first using lavender in case of unexpected effects.
Final Thoughts
I hope you have enjoyed this guide on using Lavender for Dementia. Lavender is a gentle, time-tested botanical that can greatly enhance the quality of life and daily function of dementia patients when used safely and properly. Its natural calming, mood-lifting and neuroprotective properties make lavender an excellent complementary therapy to boost cognitive health.
With its soothing floral aroma and diverse medicinal properties, lavender is a safe, low-cost intervention that offers a multitude of evidence-based benefits for the ageing brain and mind. Talk to your doctor or consult an integrative health specialist to help determine if lavender could be an appropriate part of your holistic health regimen or that of your loved one struggling with dementia.
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