Mind-Body Therapies in Individuals With Dementia: An Integrative Review.

ABSTRACT

Mind-body therapies frequently derive from Eastern philosophies and are becoming increasingly popular. These therapies, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, biofield therapies, and guided imagery, have many reported benefits for improving symptoms and physiological measures associated with various chronic diseases. However, clinical research data concerning the effectiveness of these practices in individuals with dementia have not been evaluated using a synthesis approach. Thus, an integrative review was conducted to evaluate studies examining the efficacy of mind-body therapies as supportive care modalities for management of symptoms experienced by individuals with dementia. Findings from the studies reviewed support the clinical efficacy of mind-body practices in improving behavioral and psychological symptoms exhibited by individuals with dementia. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(6)288-296.].