Background knowledge and application possibilities

1. What are aromas and what is aromatherapy?

Flavourings are natural substances that are formed by plants during photosynthesis. During the day they make plants under the influence of sunlight and water using chlorophyll (in the green leaves) sugars. During further processes more complicated structures and the glucose is converted to arise aromas.

Aromatherapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for the Management of Agitation in Severe Dementia.

The Results of a Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial

Running Title: Aromatherapy for Agitation in Dementia

• Professor Clive G Ballard* MRCPsych MD, Professor John T O'Brien MRCPsych
• DM, Ms Katharina Reichelt MSc, Professor Elaine K Perry PhD
• Wolfson Research Centre
• Newcastle General Hospital
• Westgate Rd
• Newcastle upon Tyne
• NE4 6BE
• Telephone: 0191 256 3327
• e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Background: Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia (BPSD) are frequent and a major management problem, especially for patients with severe cognitive impairment. Preliminary reports have indicated positive effects of aromatherapy using select essential oils, but there are no adequately powered placebo controlled trials . We conducted a placebo controlled trial to determine the value of aromatherapy with essential oil (melissa) for agitation in people with severe dementia.