Aromatherapy Blends Aid in Dementia Elder Care
How Aromatherapy Can Help an Elder in the End Stages of Dementia
Jul 31, 2009
Geriatic care and geriatric care management is a rapidly growing area of healthcare concerned specifically with the care of the elderly. Within geriatrics, is an even more specialized area of care—that of the elderly demented.
Alzheimer's Dementia and Other Dementias
After Alzheimer's Dementia, the second most diagnosed dementia is Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) accounting for up to 20% of all dementia cases, or 800,000 patients in the U.S. Over 4,000,000 U.S. elders have been diagnosed with dementia of one type or another, and the numbers are growing. Elder care can be difficult and demanding, and more so in the end stages of dementia.
Symptoms and Signs of Dementia in the End Stages
In the end stages of dementia, it is common for the patient to be bed-bound, anorexic, oxygen-dependent, hypertensive, and incontinent. These patients have a predisposition to depression, anxiety, urinary tract infection, bowel impaction, upper respiratory infection, topical yeast infection, contracture, and pressure wounds (decubitus).
Aromatherapy Products Ease Suffering of End Stage Dementia
The most basic need in life is air. To address the patient’s need for an antiseptic breathing environment and the various emotional stressors he experiences, a Lampe Berger can be used as a method of application through the olfactory and respiratory systems. According to Lavabre, “The application of essential oils through the olfactory and respiratory systems is the easiest, most pleasant, and in most cases, most effective way to apply them.” (1990, p.53)
In order to address the patient’s critical need for mild muscle and circulatory stimulation and the maintenance and improvement of the skin’s integrity, a body balm can be formulated, which could be applied topically and in gentle local massage. In doing so, both, the actions of the oils and their aesthetic aromatic compatibilities should be taken into account.
The Diffuser Blend Using the Lampe Berger
The preparation of an aromatherapy blend utilizing a Lampe Berger diffuser requires a carrier base of 91% isopropyl alcohol. A lower percentage value of the alcohol base, or too great a total percentage of essential oils in the preparation will cause the diffuser’s stone to clog during the diffusion process, rendering it useless.¹ Thus, if one would use sixteen ounces of 91% isopropyl alcohol as a base, it must be combined with no more than ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of essential oils.
Aromatherapy Essential Oils in the Diffuser Blend
Essential oils should be selected by first defining which actions are most desirable. Bergamot, blending perfectly with almost any oil and providing a perfect “top note,” has a positive effect on conditions of anxiety, depression and stress. Ylang-ylang has hypotensive, antidepressant, sedative and antiseptic characteristics, and will satisfy the need for a middle note in the blend. And finally, Sandalwood can provide an enhancing base note, since it possesses antidepressant and antispasmodic attributes, and is a known genitourinary antiseptic.
Formula for a Lampe Berger Diffuser Blend with Aromatherapy Essential Oils
- 16 oz. 91% ISO Isopropyl Alcohol
- 1.25 ml Ylang-Ylang (63 drops, or 50% of the blend)
- .75 ml Bergamot (37 drops, or 30% of the blend)
- .50 ml Sandalwood (25 drops, or 20% of the blend)
- Combine and stir the ingredients.
- Seal in a dark air-tight container.
- Allow the blend to meld for one week before initial use.
Massage Therapy, Body Balm, Essential Oil Blend
Because of the patient’s need for a mild, healing emollient as a carrier base, which could be used in gentle massage and be applied directly to inflamed or compromised areas of the skin; a combination of Virgin Coconut Oil² and Shea Butter is a good choice. To this, Lavendin and Patchouli will be added. Lavendin provides both high and middle note aromatic qualities. Patchouli provides the base notes and acts as an enhancer.
The actions of Lavendin are helpful in the alleviation and prevention of abscesses, blisters, cystitis, dry skin, muscle aches, fatigue and wounds. Patchouli’s ability to soothe mature skin and ease stress make it a good choice to complement the primary essential oils' actions and the carriers’ attributes.
Massage Therapy, Body Balm, Formula with Aromatherapy Essential Oils
- 4 ounces Virgin Coconut Oil
- 1 ounce Shea Butter
- 2 ounces Distilled Water
- 6 ml Lavendin
- .75 ml Patchouli (37 drops)
- Very gently, melt the Shea Butter in a saucepan on a stove-top.
- When the Shea Butter is just melted, remove from heat and add the Coconut Oil and water.
- As the mixture begins to cool and thicken, stir in the premeasured essential oils.
- Store the balm in a dark air-tight container.
References
- Fragrance Lamp Kits (© 2006-2007) Recipe for Using Essential Oils in Your Lampe
- Lavabre, M. (1990). Aromatherapy Workbook; Healing Arts Press.
Footnotes
- Maurice Berger, pharmacist, patented the Fragrance Lampe in Paris in June of 1898, hence the name Lampe Berger. During the early 1900s, the Lampes were marketed to French institutions where hygiene was most important such as hospitals and mortuaries.
- Virgin Coconut Oil is a healthy, naturally saturated fat comprised mostly of medium chained fatty acids—lauric acid, capric acid, and caprilic acid. These are highly nourishing (lauric acid being a main constituent of mother’s milk) fatty acids, which also possess antimicrobial properties enabling it to kill yeast and lipid encapsulated viruses. Virgin coconut oil is very stable since it is unrefined and mostly saturated. It will remain fresh for at least two years at room temperature.
Disclaimer
Information in this article is for educational purposes only. No diagnosis or treatment should be undertaken without first consulting a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. Neither suite101 nor the author will be responsible for readers' actions.
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