Discover how Reiki provides comfort and support for those with Alzheimer’s. Explore the synergy between this ancient healing practice and the complexities of the disease, opting for a holistic approach beyond traditional treatments. Continue reading to unveil the promising therapeutic dimensions that Reiki may bring to those facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
Understanding the Multifaceted Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Brain Health
In 1906, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, first identified Alzheimer’s disease as a progressive brain disorder causing gradual damage to brain tissue. Accounting for more than half of organically induced memory loss, Alzheimer’s stands as the fourth leading cause of death among the elderly, trailing heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Currently, no known cause or cure exists, and the disease’s duration can extend from 2 to 25 years. Alzheimer’s manifests as a global loss of intellectual abilities, significantly impacting daily functioning. Initial symptoms include subtle personality changes, memory loss, poor judgment, reduced initiative, difficulty learning new things, mood swings, and increased agitation.
As the disease advances, individuals experience speech and language problems, coordination difficulties, profound confusion, and disorientation, ultimately relying entirely on caregivers for daily activities. Even in the early stages, though outwardly appearing healthy, the disease quietly erodes brain cells through various mechanisms:
- Degeneration of brain cells forming neuritic plaques.
- Tangling of nerve endings responsible for message transmission (neurofibrillary tangles).
- Reduction in acetylcholine, a crucial brain chemical.
- Enlargement of brain spaces (ventricles) filled with granular fluid.
- Alteration in the size and shape of the brain, with the cortex showing signs of shrinkage and decay.
As the brain undergoes degeneration, there’s a corresponding decline in mental functioning. In the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals face challenges with walking, talking, swallowing, and controlling bodily functions like bladder and bowel movements, becoming frail and susceptible to infections such as pneumonia.
Adding to the complexity, various conditions mimic Alzheimer’s disease, including strokes, vascular diseases, toxins, nutritional deficiencies, and infections. To ensure accurate diagnosis, a doctor’s examination and tests are crucial to rule out treatable conditions. Traditionally, Alzheimer’s has no cure; only care options are available. These include In-home Services, Day Care, Assisted Living Facilities (also known as Residential Care Facility for the Elderly or RCFE), and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF).
Learn more about me, Therese Johnson, an experienced Reiki practitioner with a passion for holistic well-being
As a certified gerontologist, I have served as the owner, operator, and administrator of a specialized six-bed 24-hour care home for six years, focusing on Alzheimer’s (dementia) patients.
Through my experience, I observed that some patients responded exceptionally well to touch, particularly in areas where they experienced pain or injuries. Following training at the Therapeutic Body Center in California with Sister Mary Mebane in Reiki, I introduced this technique, finding it more effective than the informal healing touch previously employed. Subsequently, I decided to incorporate Reiki into the care of all my patients.
Allow me to share two noteworthy Reiki patient experiences in this article, referring to them as “Mary” and “Rose” for clarity.
“Mary’s case”
Mary, a 77-year-old Caucasian woman, faced a complex health situation with a primary diagnosis of dementia and hypertension, alongside conditions such as DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease) and Torticollis, affecting her neck, head, and jaw muscles. The latter conditions led to a strained distortion of her head and neck positioning, compelling her to continually gaze at the ceiling. Over a span of six months, the use of Reiki and massage proved remarkably effective, providing a 75% relief from these physical challenges.
In the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, Mary grappled with severe agitation, anxiety, and restlessness, resulting in continuous pacing around the care home. Sleep disturbances were prominent, necessitating multiple low doses of medication for nightly sleep. Mary’s sensitivity to certain medications, especially those for anxiety and agitation, added complexity to her care. The worsening Alzheimer’s symptoms intensified her pacing to the point where she couldn’t sit down long enough to eat, leading to weight loss and a state of frailty upon her arrival at the care home.
The staff’s attempts to ensure Mary’s nutrition by following her with a straw and supplement drink proved challenging and frustrating. However, as Mary’s pacing increased, the introduction of Reiki treatments became a turning point. Catching her during brief moments of sitting down, the application of Reiki not only induced a state of stillness but also brought about relaxation and increased lucidity. Mary’s unusual communication, urging for more Reiki, stood out as a remarkable development for someone struggling to express needs or preferences.
Extending Reiki to mealtimes, ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, significantly improved Mary’s ability to sit still during meals, addressing concerns about her weight and physical health decline. The positive impact of Reiki on Mary’s overall condition became evident through more frequent moments of lucidity, offering glimpses of clarity in her cognitive state. Additionally, Reiki played a crucial role in expediting the healing process for Mary’s regular skin injuries, a common issue for elderly Alzheimer’s patients. Using a combination of Liquid Band-Aid and Reiki not only stopped bleeding almost instantly but also accelerated the healing of skin tears, demonstrating the holistic benefits of this therapeutic approach.
“Rose’s Case”
Rose, an 87-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, exhibited symptoms similar to Mary, albeit not as pronounced. Alongside cognitive challenges, Rose faced additional difficulties such as paranoia, delusions, and overreactions.
During her stay from 1998 to 2001, Rose managed to feed herself but experienced semi-incontinence for urine. Initially able to communicate, her language abilities deteriorated over time, leading to frustration and discouragement. Managing her combative behavior required the use of the medication mellaril.
One of the most challenging aspects for caregivers was Rose’s tendency to wander, a behavior causing constant redirection and refocusing efforts. Despite being lost once outside, Rose was convinced she would meet someone and frequently accused others of theft, a common manifestation in Alzheimer’s patients. Her pacing continued throughout the day, with only brief pauses during meals.
Rose resisted touch and assistance with daily activities, asserting a strong need for control over herself and others. Despite the challenges, her presence added vibrancy to the care home. Initiating Reiki sessions with Rose, I respected her preferences, placing hands on her shoulders or the crown and back of her head while she sat in a chair. Although she limited the duration, stating “that’s enough” after 3, 5, or 8 minutes, it seemed consistent with her need for control. Through long-distance Reiki treatments and a combination of Reiki and Validation Therapy, the frequency of her attempts to leave the care home decreased from daily to monthly and, after additional “tune-ups,” to as much as three months. This positive outcome not only relieved staff stress but also increased compliance with caregivers and fostered harmony in the care home environment.
Initiating a Reiki Revolution and Crafting Tailored Therapeutic Solutions
Motivated by the success achieved with my Alzheimer’s patients, I felt a compelling need to share the benefits of Reiki with a broader audience. Consequently, I’ve initiated an Alzheimer’s Reiki research program and established partnerships with other care home providers to extend Reiki treatments to their Alzheimer’s patients.
In order to dedicate more time to these initiatives, I’ve made the decision to close my care home and transition into a full-time Reiki practice. Simultaneously, I am crafting a comprehensive Reiki therapy plan tailored for Alzheimer’s caregivers. This plan aims to alleviate or eliminate adverse symptoms, fostering a higher quality of life for both Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.
May those devoted to the well-being of Alzheimer’s patients discover the transformative effects of Reiki, experiencing the healing love and mercy of God. I extend my heartfelt wishes for love and peace to be ever present in your lives.
If you want to learn more about Reiki and my programs, feel free to email me at seniorcareofsacramento@gmail.com or contact me by phone at (530)305-8872. Together, let’s make a difference in the lives affected by Alzheimer’s.
