Over the past few years, both mindfulness and meditation have become increasingly popular around the world. Used to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as to help people enjoy the present moment, mindfulness and meditation can have a big impact on the quality of peoples lives.

We are facing unprecedented challenges at present, we are all living with so much anxiety and stress, anything that might enable us to let go of some of that negative energy is well worth a look. 

Some people are beginning to experiment with mindfulness, meditation, and dementia. Its hoped that, by incorporating mindfulness and meditation both into the life of the carer and the person they are caring forthose suffering in the current circumstances can become happier and make improvements to their quality of their life. 

And while mindfulness and meditation may not suit everyone, there are already tens of thousands around the world benefitting from this, innovative approach. 

What is mindfulness?  

While most people will have heard of meditation, many will still be unfamiliar with mindfulness. The main idea behind mindfulness is that practitioners take some time to empty their minds, push other thoughts aside and live, non-judgementally, in the present moment. This is achieved through a range of breathing techniques and exercisesWhy not have a try at gentle armchair yoga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEihWUbnqdk  

Living in the present moment in this way can help those practicing mindfulness to put their worries and anxieties to one side. The more skilled you become at mindfulness, the easier it should be to focus on the positives of life, enjoy the moment and relax.  

How can mindfulness and meditation ease dementia? 

A lot of people living with dementia also experience depression and anxiety. Any techniques that can ease depression and anxiety can therefore help to improve the quality of life of dementia sufferers and those caring for them. Why not try some meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb_kHGl4EZw   

Depression and anxiety effect both newly diagnosed dementia patients and those who have lived with the condition for years. Mindfulness and meditation have been shown to help relieve depression and anxiety, as well as stress, at every stage of the disease. And although the technique may not be for everyone, there are many people out there who could benefit from practicing mindfulness and meditation on a regular basis.    

Preventing dementia with mindfulness  

As well as easing some of the side effects of dementia, mindfulness and mediation could help to stave off the disease. Researchers from University College London found a link between depression and anxiety in mid-life and dementia in later life. The study showed that those who experience moderate to severe depression and anxiety in middle age were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia in the future. As mindfulness and meditation both help to reduce anxiety and depression, practicing them on a regular basis could therefore help to lower your chances of developing dementia.