A concern for many seniors is those occasional memory lapses when something they know so well does not come quickly to the tongue. Could this be an early sign of some type of dementia? Some seniors may suffer from early stage Alzheimer’s and with advancing age the risk of this becomes ever higher.
There are several suggested ways of reducing the odds of this occurring, such as exercise, both physical and mental, and following a good diet. One of the most appealing solutions involves relaxation therapy. A recent news item gives hope that this too can be successful.
Dr. Kim Innes, associate professor of Epidemiology, West Virginia University School of Public Health has been awarded a 3 year grant from the Alzheimers Research and Prevention Foundation to investigate the possible benefits of 2 simple relaxation therapies for improving memory and related outcomes in adults with early memory loss.
What could be better than relaxation therapy? An ideal way this can be achieved is with hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of disease. The use of water for therapy has been around for hundreds of years, as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans, and forms an integral part in many traditional medicine systems.
The healing properties of hydrotherapy are based on its mechanical and/or thermal effects. It makes use of the body’s reaction to hot and cold stimuli, to the protracted application of heat, to the pressure exerted by the water, and to the sensation of the water itself. Nerves carry what is felt by the skin deeper into the body, where it is then vital in stimulating the immune system, influencing the production of stress hormones, improving circulation and digestion, encouraging the flow of blood, and lessening the body’s sensitivity to pain.
The bathroom can be a dangerous place
Perhaps some of the benefits of hydrotherapy can be gained by enjoying a warm bath. Unfortunately most bathrooms present many hazards if you should stumble or fall. The bath itself can be awkward to enter and requires some dexterity.
For those who find a traditional Bath too challenging, there are alternatives. Walk in tubs for seniors are available that feature a wide, leak-proof door in the side. This allows you to take a small, safe step into your tub rather than climbing precariously over the ledge of a regular tub. Other safety features you may find are:
- an ergonomically designed seat
- a skid-resistent tub floor
- a grab bar
- controls to ensure an anti-scald water temperature
In this way you can have a most enjoyable bathing experience and at the same time you may be improving your mind.
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