Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2024

Winter 2024 • 31

other non-pharmacological interventions such as aromatherapy or music) in easing aggression and related behavioral disorders in patients with dementia. Researchers found that massage therapy (alone or in conjunction with other interventions) can significantly decrease agitation, aggression, stress and anxiety in patients with dementia. “The combination of massage with aromatherapy seems to impart the most significant results in patients with dementia,” researchers noted. Additionally, a 2022 study 3 assessed combinations of non-pharmacological interventions for the reduction of irritability in people with dementia. This crossover randomized controlled trial observed 60 patients with different types and stages of dementia with irritability. The study included three non pharmacological interventions: validation therapy, aromatherapy/massage and music therapy. The trial found that aromatherapy/ massage was the most effective non pharmacological intervention, followed by validation therapy and music therapy. Brewer and Alexander suggest massage therapists exercise extra precaution to ensure massage itself does not increase anxiety and agitation in the client. This may include: • Learning the clients preferences for music, aroma and lighting • Having a caregiver either with them or nearby • Avoiding the prone position, as it can become disorienting and the face cradle can feel suffocating • Asking permission at each stage of the massage • Assessing a client’s level of agitation before and during the massage and discontinuing if massage is exacerbating the symptom “I do not ask the client to undress because consent is sticky with a person who has dementia,” explains Brewer. “I do not want them to become confused about why they are undressed, who I am and what I am doing to them.” Alexander agrees that leaving patients dressed is important with this specific

population. “For 16 years, I worked in a continuing care retirement community and performed most of the massage sessions in the clients’ rooms. I modified chair massage techniques for the residents in armchairs, wheelchairs and geri-chairs. All of these sessions were done through their clothing,” Alexander says. “Specific training in geriatric massage is necessary for this special population.” Caregiver Massage for Dementia For clients with dementia, massage provided by their caregivers may also be beneficial. “I would like to see more awareness on the part of caregivers on the benefits of massage for those with dementia,” says Brewer. This isn’t an empty wish, either. There have been multiple studies suggesting the benefits of caregiver-administered massage. A 2022 study 4 explored the effects of manual massage given by family caregivers for

Researchers found that massage therapy (alone or in conjunction with other interventions) can significantly decrease agitation, aggression, stress and anxiety in patients with dementia.

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