07/21/2025
🌿 Can Scents Help Soothe the Symptoms of Dementia?
A growing body of research says yes. Aromatherapy has shown promising effects in calming anxiety, improving sleep, and even boosting memory in individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Essential oils like:
🪻 Lavender – for reducing agitation and improving sleep
🍊 Sweet Orange & Lemon Balm – for uplifting mood and easing restlessness
🌿 Rosemary – for stimulating alertness and memory
At Alta Living Care, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful use of aromatherapy can make a home feel more peaceful and familiar for someone with memory loss. It’s not a cure—but it’s one more gentle tool that helps restore calm and connection.
📚 What does the research say?
• A 2002 study in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that lavender oil significantly reduced agitation in people with severe dementia.
• A 2019 review in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience concluded that aromatherapy can support cognitive function and emotional stability in Alzheimer’s patients.
• Lemon balm oil (Melissa officinalis) has been shown to reduce agitation and improve quality of life in several clinical trials.
💜 We’re here to support both clients and families with holistic care options—including sensory-based methods like aromatherapy.
Curious to learn more or try a starter kit at home? Message us today—we’d love to help you explore what’s possible.
Send a message to learn more
