Hypnosis reduces symptoms of dementia

LIVERPOOL, England, July 31 (UPI) -- British researchers say hypnosis can slow down the impact of dementia and improve quality of life for those living with the condition.

Forensic psychologist Dr. Simon Duff of the University of Liverpool investigated the effects of hypnosis on people living with dementia and compared the treatment to mainstream healthcare methods and group therapy in which participants were encouraged to discuss news and current affairs.

They found that people living with dementia who had received hypnosis therapy showed an improvement in concentration, memory and socialization, compared to those in the other two treatment groups. Relaxation, motivation and daily living activities also improved with the use of hypnosis.

"Over a nine-month period of weekly sessions, it became clear that the participants attending the 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 hypnosis sessions showed real improvement across all of the areas that we looked at," Duff said in a statement.

"Participants who are aware of the onset of dementia may become depressed and anxious at their gradual loss of cognitive ability and so hypnosis -- which is a tool for relaxation -- can really help the mind concentrate on positive activity like socialization."