Meditation, yoga, and tai chi reduce anxiety and stress in dementia.
Scientists have found that certain practices aimed at connecting the body and mind can help people with dementia cope with anxiety, stress, and depression. Such methods include meditation, yoga, tai chi, and breathing exercises. The results of the review of studies were published in the journal Aging & Mental Health (A&MH).
Researchers analyzed 98 scientific papers from around the world dedicated to the application of such practices in people with cognitive impairments. In many cases, participants reported reduced anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as improved overall quality of life.
The analysis showed that the best results are observed when the sessions are short and simple—usually no longer than an hour. Effectiveness also increases if family members or staff from care facilities participate in the program, and if the sessions are held regularly and in a group setting.
According to the scientists, such non-drug methods could become an important complement to traditional dementia treatment. In the future, researchers plan to develop and test new programs using technologies that will help implement such practices in nursing homes and medical facilities.
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