Are meditation and yoga practices beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease caregivers?
The physical, emotional, and psychological effects of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia take a toll on individuals. If left unchecked, the health of the caregiver may be compromised.
In a preliminary study, people caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia at home found that when they practiced meditation, or what the study called mindfulness-based stress reduction, It has been shown that people experience decreased perceived stress and mood disorders (Brown, 2015). Another trial found that such stress reduction was “more effective in improving overall mental health, reducing stress, and reducing depression” than those who participated in caregiver education and support interventions alone. ” (Whitebird, 2012).
Another study conducted at UCLA found that when caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients used yoga to perform very short, simple daily meditations, their levels of depression decreased, cognitive function improved, and I have found that it reduces stress. Yoga and meditation reduce stress hormones and inflammatory factors, ultimately allowing you to more effectively cope with the stress of caregiving.
The practice of yoga and meditation also gives caregivers a sense of compassion for themselves and others, and the ability to be more patient and kind. The person becomes a more understanding caregiver, which benefits everyone involved. Additionally, according to The Caregiver’s Voice, an online support network for caregivers, meditation and yoga can increase caregivers’ resilience and balance, strengthening their joy in getting through difficult moments. Additionally, yoga and meditation can be thought of as brain exercises, as they engage different parts of the brain based on factors such as breathing, movement, posture, chanting, visualization, and concentration.
There are a few things to keep in mind when starting a meditation or yoga practice.
- be patient. It takes time to remove distractions and truly develop your practice.
- It is more beneficial to have shorter practice intervals than just one big practice each week. A good rule of thumb is to start with 5-10 minutes three times a week and increase to 10-20 minutes five days a week.
- Have a timer ready. With a kitchen timer, iPhone, or iPhone app, you don’t have to keep checking to be on time.
- Breathing is fundamental because it helps focus attention on the body and mind, calms the individual, and sets the tone for the practice.
Learning to meditate and practice yoga is similar to learning any other skill. Caregivers should start slowly and understand the individual’s comfort level. As always, before starting any activity that involves physical activity, consult your doctor first.
