People with dementia may benefit from aromatherapy and bright light treatments, according to a report in the British Medical Journal.

Many dementia patients develop psychiatric symptoms or behavioral disturbances such as agitation, aggression, depression, delusions, wandering, sleep disturbance, and hallucinations that can be triggers for their admission to institutional care. Often the drugs prescribed for these symptoms have undesirable side effects such as sleepiness and accelerated cognitive decline.

Researchers at the University of Manchester in England report that aromatherapy and bright light treatment show promise as treatments for some of dementia's psychiatric and behavioral symptoms.

Three studies on aromatherapy in the last year have shown a significant benefit in reducing agitation while causing no side effects. Lemon balm or lavender oil were the two main agents used and were delivered by either inhalation or application to the skin.

Three recent studies on bright light therapy have also shown a beneficial effect on sleep disturbance and restlessness. The technique involves sitting in front of a light box of up to 10,000 lux.

"People with dementia are among the most vulnerable in our society," wrote the researchers. "Symptoms often need to be treated expediently, and drugs, although moderately effective, can be hazardous. Aromatherapy and bright light treatment seem to be safe and effective and may have an important role in managing behavioral problems in people with dementia."

Other sources: British Medical Journal