The Effects of Essential Oil and Massage on Patients’ Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. An Observational Study

Authors

  • Antonio Bonacaro Department of Nursing, University of Suffolk, Ipswich IP4 1QJ, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4475-5280
  • Ivan Rubbi School of Nursing, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
  • Carmela Triglia Orthopedics Ward, Ferrara Hospital, 44122 - Ferrara, Italy
  • Valeria Cremonini Villa Maria Private Hospital, 48033 Cotignola RA, Italy
  • Alessia Conti Villa Maria Private Hospital, 48033 Cotignola RA, Italy
  • Sharon Brownie School of Nursing, University of Canberra, Canberra, BrSchool of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia / School of Nursing, Griffith University, Nathan QLD 4111, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2023.v14i03.014

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most widespread form of dementia. The present study analyses the effects of aromatherapy using Melissa Officinalis essential oil, applied by massage to the hands and forearms of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. and to evaluate the effect on their perceived overall quality of life.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in two nursing homes in Italy in 2018. Data were collected through individual qualitative structured interviews based on the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD) questionnaire and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The authors referred to STROBE guidelines for quality reporting of observational studies.

Results: Treatment with Melissa Officinalis showed positive effects on all patients after the 12th week of treatment. The results were most evident in patients in class 3 MMSE. However, class 4 MMSE patients also benefited from the treatment.

Conclusions: The aromatherapy treatment delivered in this observational study, using Melissa Officinalis essential oil applied to hands and forearms, showed an improvement in the quality of life of the patients living in two different nursing homes. Due to the small sample size in this study, it is suggested that more research be done on the effects and effectiveness of aromatherapy with Melissa Officinalis essential oil for Alzheimer's disease patients.

Keywords:

Quality Adjusted Life Years, Mental Status and Dementia Test, Alzheimer Disease, Aromatherapy, Essential Oil

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References

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Published

01-01-2023

How to Cite

Bonacaro, A., Rubbi, I., Triglia, C., Cremonini, V., Conti, A., & Brownie, S. . (2023). The Effects of Essential Oil and Massage on Patients’ Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. An Observational Study. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN), 14(3), 116-125. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2023.v14i03.014

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