The use of Hypnotherapy to help Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients

There has been a great deal of research into the benefits of using hypnotherapy to help with many illnesses and how beneficial it can be to mental wellbeing. Clinical Hypnotherapy has been proven to help people with Alzheimer's and Dementia in ten key action areas, including combating depression, anxiety and anger as well as by improving concentration, relaxation, motivation, immediate memory, memory of significant events, daily living activities and social skills.

Research into the efficacy of Clinical Hypnotherapy have shown that it can slow down the impacts of Alzheimer's and Dementia and improve quality of life for those living with the condition.

Dr Simon Duff from Liverpool University and his research

Forensic Psychologist, Dr Simon Duff from Liverpool University investigated the effects and compared the treatment given to patients of regular sessions on hypnotherapy to mainstream health-care methods.

As a further set of research figures he also looked at how Clinical Hypnotherapy compared to a type of group therapy in which participants were encouraged to discuss news and current affairs.

His study found that people living with Dementia who had received Clinical Hypnotherapy showed an improvement in concentration, memory and social situations compared to the other two treatment groups. The patients found that by learning to relax and let go they were able to improve their motivation for other activities and this in turn helped them to live a better and more fulfilling life. Their qualities of life were improved by the use of Clinical Hypnotherapy. Participants who are aware of the onset of dementia may become depressed and anxious at their gradual loss of cognitive ability. Hypnotherapy could help sufferers relax so that they can concentrate on positive activities.”

Speaking about the results that he saw from his research Dr Duff said: “It became clear that the participants attending the general discussion group remained the same throughout. The group who received 'treatment as usual' showed a small decline over the assessment period, yet those having regular Clinical Hypnotherapy sessions showed real improvement across all areas.”

Singer Sam Smith has been hitting the headlines as he was revealed of the singer of the new theme to the upcoming James Bond Film Spectre this week. What is perhaps a little less known is that he has had his own struggles with obsessive compulsive disorder also known as OCD.

How did he deal with it and find a way forward? He turned to hypnotherapy and spoke about it during the GQ awards this week.

Speaking to the GQ magazine he said:

“I had to film myself flicking off every plug and checking every tap. I had a fear if the house was going to flood or burn I would have proof I had nothing to do with it.”

He explained that after seeing a hypnotherapist he was able to take back control of the habit and help learn to relax and let go.Previously it had been reported that he was suffering from panic attacks when flying and had already considered seeing a hypnotherapist to help him with learning to let go and enjoying the flights rather than worrying about them even before he arrived at the airport.