Hypnosis Shown to Reduce Symptoms of Dementia
ScienceDaily (July 28, 2008) — The trial showed that hypnosis improved the effects of dementia like memory loss and concentration.
A scientist at the University of Liverpool has found that hypnosis can slow down the impacts of
dementia and improve quality of life for those living with the condition.
Forensic psychologist, Dr Simon Duff, investigated the effects of hypnosis on people living with
dementia and compared the treatment to mainstream health-care methods. He also looked at how
hypnosis compared to a type of group therapy in which participants were encouraged to discuss
news and current affairs.
They found that people living with dementia who had received hypnosis therapy showed an
improvement in concentration, memory and socialisation compared to the other two treatment
groups. Relaxation, motivation and daily living activities also improved with the use of
hypnosis.
Dr Duff said: ‘Over a nine month period of weekly sessions, it became clear that the participants
attending the discussion group remained the same throughout. The group who received ‘treatment
as usual’ showed a small decline over the assessment period, yet those having regular hypnosis
sessions showed real improvement across all of the areas that we looked at.
‘Participants who are aware of the onset of dementia may become depressed and anxious at their
gradual loss of cognitive ability and so hypnosis which is a tool for relaxation can really help the
mind concentrate on positive activity like socialisation.’
Further research will now take place to establish whether hypnosis maintains its effects on
dementia as the illness progresses, over longer periods of time.
Dr Dan Nightingale, co-author of the research and leading dementia consultant at the Abacus
Clinic in Newark, added: ‘Evidence to date has shown that we can enhance the quality of life for
people living with dementia through the correct use of hypnosis. We have now developed a
course for clinicians who wish to incorporate hypnosis into health care plans.’
University of Liverpool (2008, July 28). Hypnosis Shown To Reduce Symptoms Of Dementia.
ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 28, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com
/releases/2008/07/080728111402.ht
Contact: Linda Alexander, Clinical Hypnotherapist on 0141 632 1440 or 07875 493 358, also linda.alexander@talktalk.net