Definitely Yes.

Thank you Hatem for the quick response - appreciated... well, do you have any thoughts on how best to approach such a sensitive issue!?

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Quick answer for now, Yes! Further more:

Music helps AD patients, the neurons involved in music processing are spared by AD.

Power failure. Sent from mobile.

I think that the main source for dementia might be the relinquishment of future plans for the late life. We need some statistics to see what happens e.g to some famous mathematicians who continuous to work at a late age. On the other hand we need statistics of what people with dementia were doing as pensioners. RG also has a positive effect to people over 67. Specialist in the area know a lot of technics, but basically one need to have strong interest for something.

Very important question, Dear Theodora!

Dear Theodora ..........

Having experienced and watched a person with dementia (my father - in -law), my opinion is that spirituality has little to do with this disease for the patients. But it would definitely help the care-takers. Only in this type of disease the care-giver needs to be counseled and not the person with dementia. It is really very painful to see and take care of a person with dementia.

Spirituality will help and provide the care-taker with mental strength and determination to take care of the lengthy situation they may face.

Hello Miranda,

Thank you for the quick response - appreciated... Indeed, I have read that music is something valuable - and especially teaching them to dance - this is happening in Australia...

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Hello Costas,

Thank you for that - indeed, I totally agree with the comments provided - however, when reading the WHO report - it seems that there are people in their 30s and 40s with the highest percentage between 45-55 years of age who are diagnosed with Dementia... yes, we need to know more statistics.

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Hello Sasirekha,

Thank you for your contribution - I am sorry to hear this - indeed, Spurlock provided evidence for this that carers are the ones who use spirituality - but, the research indicated that the African Americans (Dementia sufferers) are also feeling better with spirituality - here they have indicated prayer...

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Hello Ahed,

Thank you for that - great point you have raised with the definition of spirituality, indeed, in my research and only going through research of few years (1975-2008), I came up with some 65 defintions of spirituality which I included as an appendix in my thesis... from these defintions the following was extracted, and here I am quoting from my thesis:

Six major themes emerged from these syntheses: (1) human experience, (2) God, divine, higher power, (3) Transcendence, (4) Searching for inner meaning, well-being, (5) Faith, hope, human spirit, and, (6) Nature, and environment. While some definitions recorded nine themes within the definition, others had included only one. In some aspects, these themes have some of the characteristics of those already discussed above. Nonetheless, themes in relation to faith, hope, and the human spirit emerge.

Looking forward to the further discussions...

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Dear Theodora Issa,

Thanks for interesting question.Yoga evolved as a spiritual practice in Hinduism . Yoga can improve the mood states and enhance physical function such as flexibility, breathing mechanics, balance, and body awareness. It can if used properly help in improving the well being of the elderly including those with dementia.

Thanks and regards

Sukla

Quite an interesting question Issa ... which I certainly can't answer, but if I may I'll share an observation. Unfortunately, this observation has no statistical worth - it's based on a grand total of 3 people - but it resonates so let me share it here.

I have seen 3 people become demented in their later years, and I have to say, these people were mad as hatters when younger, although no one had recognized it openly, because they were still apparently functional. So my question is - could it be that people who are demented in their waning years have in fact been plain mad all along, but because they were functional, and because - essentially - society does not care and can't be bothered - it goes unrecognized and undiagnosed until these people become helpless and dependent ?

http://www.aif.ru/health/life/38811

Dear Theodora, your question is sad and rather actual. In Russia there are 1,3-1, 8 mln. with Dementia.I had an experience of trying to help such sort of ill human being.I think it's impossible to help.I tried to do as much as I could..It took me only 2,5 years.

Dear Theodora

Quite an interesting issue. My feeling is that yes, spirituality would indeed help.

Anyone nows any updates to the study of Spurlock (2005)? Any more recent studies? This is not my area of research but the issue you raise is indeed an inportant one. It's quite worrying that Dementia is progressing as reported by WHO.

All the best,

Pedro

Thanks for the question Issa.

As pedagogist, I think that spirituality may be interpreted as a Weltanschauung that has the power to put its root at a more deeper "layer" than of rational thinking and also of social bond. For this a elderly affected by dementia may have a set of mental habits that may be more resistant against the development of the patology. I think that it's possible to imagine a sort of multisensorial "palliative therapy of reminiscence". It's an idea for an interdisciplinary research.

As son, I'm sure that a spiritual context helps firstly the relatives and caregivers to stay near the ill man. In this way it can build a environment that helps everybody to reduce individual and collective costs (material and emotional) of the patology and to improve the well-being situation.

Some references:

Curlin F, Sellergren SA, Lantos JD, Clin MH. Physiciann’s observation and interpretations of the influence of religion and spirituality on health. Arch Intern Med

2007;167:649-54.

Beuscher L, Grando VT. Using spirituality to cope with early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease. West J Nurs Res 2009;31:583-99.

Sulmasy Daniel P. Spirituality, religion, and clinical care. Chest 2009;135:1634-42.

Dear Theodora

A research group at Karolinska Institutet , Sweden, led by Laura Fratiglioni specializes in identifying risk factors associated with dementia and using this knowledge to develop possible preventative strategies. His research has shown that the risk is partly determined by genetic susceptibility of the individual and that engagement in mental , physical and social activities can delay the onset of dementia by preserving cognitive functions . Continuing education early in life has a protective effect , but the group also discovered that it's never too late to start.

The brain , like other parts of the body , requires stimulation and exercise to keep running . Older people with an active life - mentally, physically and socially - run a lower risk of developing dementia , no matter necessarily what those activities,

His research shows that physical factors are also significant . Not only the high and low blood pressure , diabetes and obesity but also for middle-age increased risk of developing dementia after 70 years . " What is good for the heart is good for the brain ," she explains .

Knowledge about risk factors and how to protect the brain from dementia is based on observational studies in which scientists have discovered statistical correlations in the population . Scientists working on other research currently being undertaken in Europe are investigating what happens when a large number of participants receiving special help to better control vascular risk factors and to stimulate social , physical and mental activities , which should at least result in delayed onset of dementia.

You can find more informations on the website of Karolinska Institute and in the references below :

1) Spiritual activity is associated with better cognitive function in old age.

Fung AW, Lam LC.

East Asian Arch Psychiatry. 2013 Sep;23(3):102-7.

2) Association between religiosity/spirituality and quality of life or depression among living-alone elderly in a South Korean city.

Moon YS, Kim DH.

Asia Pac Psychiatry. 2013 Jan 22.

3) Mental disorders, religion and spirituality 1990 to 2010: a systematic evidence-based review.

Bonelli RM, Koenig HG.

J Relig Health. 2013 Jun;52(2):657-73.

4) Spirituality and self-efficacy in dementia family caregiving: trust in God and in yourself.

Lopez J, Romero-Moreno R, Marquez-González M, Losada A.

Int Psychogeriatr. 2012 Dec;24(12):1943-52

5) Positive feelings of caregiving among Latino Alzheimer's family caregivers: understanding the role of spirituality.

Hodge DR, Sun F.

Aging Ment Health. 2012;16(6):689-98

Theodora, the history of medicine shows that belief often helps heal the ailing. This is why my teacher, Dr. Pedro Laín Entralgo, never scorned witchdoctors of primitive societies. This also explains the efficacy of faith-healers, as well as the traditional healing touch of Popes and kings. Can prayer help mental patients? I concur with Kamal that it can´t harm them, and that is what medicine is all about (Cf. the Hippocratic Oath).

Hello Lala,

Thank you for your contribution - YOGA it is ... but this might not be the practice for every region... nonetheless, do you, by any chance, have any empirical evidence - so, other cultures can imitate what is happening with people following Hinduism.

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Hello H Chris,

Thank you for your contribution - interesting...

Your questions are worth asking and researching - indeed, it seems that individuals within our communities in developed countries, might mostly be self-centered, and might only care for themselves rather than others... thus, such issues would go unnoticed.

Indeed, these questions are worth researching!

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Hello Irina,

Thank you for your contribution - certainly, the situation is sad... with the families being broken, and the idea that the old people are only there to limit our progress, we can notice the increase of the aged-care homes!

I believe being with the family might slow it - especially, if from time to time, the previous images or photos are shared - videos, and stories over lunch, dinner and breakfast!

Regards

Theodora Issa

Hello Pedro,

Thank you for your contribution. Indeed, there were some other works following the work cited... but still on a very small scale - what I was thinking is to have a group of researchers around the world in liaison with WHO to start this big project!

This is an interesting article about spirituality and mild dementia.

http://dem.sagepub.com/content/11/1/75.full.pdf+html

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Hello Giuseppe,

Thank you for your contribution - you mean 'world view' the translation of the German word!? Am I right.

Well, there might be some resentment to the word spirituality by some cultures - but, it is necessary - I believe - and you have really touched on it - it will reduce the EMOTIONAL cost! on the sick person and the caregivers.

Thank you for the additional resources - highly appreciated.

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Hello Nelson,

Thank you for your valuable contribution - and the resources ... yes, I believe if the elderly is only talking to the cat and dog that lives with them - that is not considered an active social life...

Yes, I will read those sources.

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Hello Kamal,

Thank you for the contribution - indeed, spirituality will not harm! we need to work on this research.

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Hello Nelson,

Thank you for that - certainly spirituality and faith help - and the touch of healing priests works...

I like what your teacher was doing -:)

Thanks again and regards

Theodora Issa

Hello, Theodora, It is a great question. I have no doubt that Spiritual activities will help the care giver. As for the persons with Dementia or Alzheimer, some prayers, chanting and massage might bring calmness and peace to both the caregiver and care taker. I don't don't if any one has done such study.

Hello Linda,

Thank you for your contribution - appreciated. Thanks for the confirmation... well, there seems to be some work in this field, but it is all on small samples... and very limited... I was thinking if on ResearchGate we can establish a group - that would liaise with WHO and take it from there!?

Your thoughts!

Regards

Theodora Issa

Theodora, You are right that individuals can only have small size of sample and limited resources. It would be great to have WHO support. Have you check their official website and see if such study is taking place?

Hello Linda,

Thanks for that - indeed they have - but how to tackle it this is the problem.

Regards

Theodora Issa

Hi, Theodora,

I don't have any specific person or organization on top of my head. In my humble opinion, you may start with WHO representatives or institute in your country to see if there is a need to conduct such study and if there are any grants available for doing that. Best,

Hello Linda,

Thank you for the contribution - appreciated.

Thanks and regards

Dear Theodora, I understand your bitter irony. This problem is social, first of all. In some countries even healthy people are problem. And what about ill, old, helpless ones? Surely, this problem is moral, too.To my experience, it's especially terrible, when an ill person suffered ischemic stroke. It's very hard to endure it morally and physically- to watch how your intelligent, kind, optimistic relative is obliged to die slowly away. After it there are hemiparesis, hemiplegia, as a rule. You understand, that careful care is not characteristic of a lot of hospitals, mental institutions, nursing homes, aged-care houses. Even for money.You are afraid of heartless relation to your ill old relative.That's why only you must become a pepper upper, you must boost morale of your nearest and dearest. It's necessary informative and emotional contact- holidays, tasteful meals, communication. Physiotherapy exercises,massage, speech therapy, hygienic events, opening the bowels, turning the ill person for prevention of bedsores, medication, injections, reducing aggression are required for recuperation lost muscular-skeletal, motor apparatus, cognitive, speech functions. To be a bedside is the imperative of our souls, it's required patience, mercy, kind nursing care, and the greatest love, prayer and remembrance. It's a sin to remain your relative alone.

Hello, Irina, I read pain from your post. I understand how difficult it is to watch loved ones deteriorating from their mental or physical condition. With spiritual activities and the longing for an eternal life it may comfort the care givers. I think it is also helps to give them patience and compassion that they need to care for the ill relatives. Caring for a total stranger will be another story but it is not impossible when we see Mother Theressa and her mission. I think the training of spirituality makes those individuals see all humans as brothers and sisters.

Hello Irina,

Thank you so much for sharing - what a painful situation - indeed, it is a moral problem, and there needs to be a solution...

Will commence something - somewhere!?

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Linda,

I totally agree with your analysis... but, the thing is, if the person (the patient) him/herself do not believe in spirituality - this will add to the difficulty.

Thanks and regards

Theodora Issa

Thank you, dear Theodora, dear Linda,

I think that ill personalities in the second, third stages of Dementia are not able to appreciate the spiritual power. Only nearest and dearest must pray for them and be tolerant, kind and permissive to them.

I agree with you, Irina. The ill needs cognitive recognition to process the message of prayers or holy message. For care givers, I think it depends on how strong the care givers' faith.This will help them to be persistent and persevere.

Dear Linda,

To me,good memories, reminiscences, moments of mutual life, kind actions of the ill personality help care givers to be strong in the situations of aggression and depression of the ill relative.You understand how it's important to do kind actions when you are young and not ill.Human beings should be in a hurry to do good. Surely, pray for the ill will be helpful both for the ill person and care giver.

Thank you Irina and Linda for your contributions... yes, I intend to agree - however, what might assist, is being consistent in seeking spirituality throughout life, and that might really reduce the possibility of Dementia!

What do you think?

Regards

Theodora Issa

Dear Theodora, may be, this information will be interesting for you.http://www2.kenes.com/adpd/Pages/Home.aspx

Dear Irina,

I read your post about your fading relative and thought of the last weeks of my own mother´s life. Thinking about dimentia or spirituality may serve us but not the patient. The final responses are not intellectual, not thinking, but affective-- the emotion of love. I remember hearing the last concert of piano music my mother and I ever heard together. The music came from an old piano in her assisted living facility. With her hand in mine, she moved it in time to the music.  What a bond existed between us!  Shortly after, she passed away.

Thank you, dear Nelson, it's extremely hard. I tried to encourage him - I made garlicky tincture, his favorite dishes from pike, invited his friends to us, celebrated holidays, published an article about his youth as a doctor (he had 3 MD-s)- he was almost indifferent to everything. He lived in his own inner world.But before death he spoke Latin with the docs.

Dear Theodora,

Are there data from a long period showing the fluctuation of demedia through time, especially when  affluent society came?  

Spirituality is the gift of a divinity within .Our soul remains within us although a microscopic but everlasting companion for all the time to come & for our every new life which we are to receive .

Spirituality remains within every human beings but the development of the spiritual source depends on action of every human beings for their life line .We by controlling 5 elements within us through our conscious mind may help the process & progressive lifeline of spirituality .

In the advance age ,the quality of the life of an individual depends on in which mode he has live his life .His temperament ,sincerity approach ,covering his feeling of TENSION,WORRIES &FRUSTRATION may bring the result of mental disorder ,Parkinson  ,& Alzheimer & such other disorder .

For such category of person it is very difficult to control their mind to religion practice,power of prayer ,& meditation as it may not possible to inculcate a line of spiritual faith & necessary will power .

For such person even after 65 & above if they follow the path of spirituality with the regular practice in their life they may pass their old age in a very comfortable stage .

To me FAITH & DISTANT HEALING play an very important part of an individual for their disturbing problems,chronic ailments ,even under Dr care help them for a very speedy recovery for which a path of spirituality is the basic end for every human beings .

This is my personal opinion .