Alzheimer's Information: Reiki as a Treatment for Alzheimer's Patients and Caregivers

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

Alzheimer's Information: The many complicated aspects of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia make caring for patients and their caregivers a challenge. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's currently has no known cure. This makes it a disease that ruins lives both physically and emotionally, as caregivers watch their loved ones slowly succumb to Alzheimer's devastating effects. However, there is hope in alleviating some of the issues through a Japanese practice known as Reiki. The practice has shown effective in clinical studies as a treatment for both patients and their caregivers alike.

Reiki is both a spiritual and alternative medicine practice originally developed by a Japanese Buddhist monk in the 1920s. It is based on the belief that the power of physical touch, by way of the palms of the hands and tips of the fingers, can be used to channel the body's natural energy in a way that promotes general healing and overall good health.

There are two forms of Reiki in use today: traditional Japanese Reiki and Westernized Reiki. The traditional form relies on the practitioner's intuition and experience to determine where best to apply touch. The Westernized treatment uses a more systematic roach, relying on specific touch points for specific purposes. It stands to reason that Westernized Reiki is the form most commonly practiced in the United States.

Alzheimer's Treatment 

One of the most promising areas of treatment for Alzheimer's patients is that of improving mild cognitive impairment. According to Psychcentral, numerous peer-reviewed clinical studies have shown that the proper application of Reiki can indeed improve cognitive impairment among dementia patients.

In one study referenced by Psychcentral, two groups of patients were studied side-by-side: one that received regular Reiki treatments and another that did not. At the conclusion of the study, the group receiving the treatments showed measurable improvement in cognitive functioning, memory and general behavior.

The most exciting thing about Reiki is that caregivers can learn to administer it themselves. For just the cost of the lessons, which might be covered with private health insurance, caregivers can learn a skill that will provide a real benefit to their loved ones. It is a very cost-effective way to reduce the negative cognitive effects of dementia. Obviously, Reiki will not cure the disease or prevent its progression, but it does make dealing with it easier.

Treatment for Caregivers 

Reiki is also an exciting treatment for caregivers who struggle right along with their suffering loved ones. Why do caregivers need care? Studies have shown that caregivers suffer from very high stress levels as a result of caring for an Alzheimer's patient while at the same time trying to maintain the daily routine. That stress can result in a variety of health problems, including elevated blood pressure, anxiety or nervousness, heart problems, and so on.

Another problem caregivers have is one of neglecting their own health. Their busy schedules have often been burning the candle at both ends to the point of not taking care of themselves. Any health problems resulting from the increased stress are not dealt with, making matters much worse.

Reiki is able to relieve much of the stress caregivers’ experience, thereby making it easier for them to care for loved ones and themselves simultaneously. Other family members can learn to administer Reiki so the caregiver does not have to pay for individual sessions.

How It Works 

Reiki is practiced as a series of light touches and taps based on the visual appearance of the head, neck, and other portions of the body. The practitioner will blow on the skin, perhaps tap it lightly a number of times, or apply a certain amount of pressure with the palms of his hands. The practice is believed to help channel the natural energy in the human body in a specific direction, as determined by the practitioner.

Reiki is also practices at a distance making this form of alternative healing ideal for anyone living with Alzheimer’s or dementias. The person receiving Reiki feels calmer and more relaxed but does not have to leave the comfort of their environment to receive the benefits. Remembering4You.com recommends TheHealerWithin.com/complementary-therapies for more information.

Other than that, no one really knows why Reiki works as an Alzheimer's patient and caregiver treatment. However, we do not really need to know for patients and their families to benefit. As long as clinical studies show Reiki can be beneficial to patient outcomes, it is a treatment that should be included in the full compendium offered by doctors.

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com. 

 

Alzheimer's Information: Cannabis More Widely Accepted for Alzheimer's Patients

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

This November, voters in the state of Florida will be deciding on whether or not to allow the medical use of marijuana as a treatment for certain debilitating conditions. Already there are 13 states in the union where medical marijuana use is legal. Some of those states, including New Mexico, are seriously considering adding Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia to the list of illnesses eligible for medical marijuana.

Also known as cannabis, marijuana has been used for medical purposes for decades. However, strict laws surrounding recreational cannabis use have somewhat stunted public acceptance of cannabis for medical purposes. Yet the tide is turning. In New Mexico, medical marijuana supporters successfully convinced the medical advisory board of New Mexico's Medical Cannabis Program to include Alzheimer's disease on the list of treatable conditions. However, the state health secretary ultimately makes the final decision.

If the secretary moves in favor of medical cannabis for Alzheimer's disease, New Mexico will join a small number of other states already allowing the practice. It should be noted that the original petition to the medical advisory board only named Alzheimer's disease specifically. The board decided to expand their authorization to include multiple forms of degenerative dementia.

How It Helps

Proponents cite three ways in which cannabis can help Alzheimer's patients, beginning with reducing brain swelling. Ohio State University professor Gary Wenk has been studying various pharmaceutical compounds to see if any of them reduced brain inflammation associated with dementia. After years of frustrating results, he finally turned to cannabis. He told the Drug Policy Alliance he believes cannabis is the most powerful anti-inflammatory available for the human brain.

The second benefit of cannabis appears to be one of pain relief. Obviously, it is already in use for a number of other conditions where traditional medicines are ineffective for pain. As Alzheimer's progresses, the pain it causes increases dramatically. If pain can be relieved through medical marijuana, it should be an option.

Third, cannabis appears to help Alzheimer's patients manage anxiety, which, in turn, helps to increase their appetites. Numerous studies have shown that patients suffering from Alzheimer's related anorexia were able to put on significant weight thanks to the calming effects of cannabis. Those using the drug experienced a return to normal appetite levels.

Smoked or Swallowed

The idea of medical marijuana as a treatment for Alzheimer's and other diseases is sure to be hotly debated in legislative halls this spring and summer. Those in favor of cannabis as a medical treatment are quick to point out the millions of people around the country suffering from conditions that would benefit from cannabis use. They make a very strong case in support of it.

On the other hand, critics of medical marijuana fear that approving it is a gateway to recreational cannabis use. They also have a point. Unfortunately, the medical benefits of cannabis are largely achieved by smoking marijuana. By making the leaf form of the drug available as a medicine, you open the door to approving it for recreational use later on.

One possible solution offered by medical marijuana opponents in Florida is to insist the drug only be available as a prescription pill or liquid. This would remove some of the social aspects of using marijuana recreationally. Of course, doing so would not prevent addicts from seeking cannabis, but it might prevent casual users from using the drug recreationally by way of a medical prescription.

It is a complicated question that certainly deserves further discussion and analysis. If cannabis is useful as a treatment for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, it seems to be the least we can do for patients suffering from a disease that will ultimately claim their lives.

Remembering4You.com does not recommend cannabis for Alzheimer’s as there is not sufficient evidence it would minimize pain and confusion. The other problem we see is the danger of fire and accidents unless there is 24/7 one-on-one supervision which is extremely difficult to provide for any living at home or in community living. Cannibis can be added to cooking and other form as suggested above. Medical advice is always recommended before adding any supplements to someone who is living with Alzheimer’s. 

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com.