Alzheimer’s

Did you know that laughter can help calm Alzheimer’s patients? 

People with Alzheimer’s often become extremely agitated, making a difficult situation even more problematic for patients and caregivers alike. But a recent study indicates that giving Alzheimer’s patients a reason to laugh may tone down verbally and physically aggressive behavior.

A team of Australian researchers enrolled nearly 400 nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in a three-month study. The residents attended weekly sessions involving mime, music and laugh-inducing props, and were actively encouraged to respond and participate in the fun.

Overall agitation dropped 20 percent and this improvement held steady for at least 14 weeks after the program ended. Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that a joyful heart is good medicine. If you or someone you know is a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, try adding laughter to their daily routine to ease their stress AND yours.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose or fix any specific medical concern. It is meant to offer insight about potential health issues and risks, and to encourage you to research ways to become healthier. These statements have not been reviewed by a medical professional. Please check with your health care provider(s) prior to making any change that could potentially interact with medications or health conditions.