A recent review of research into aromatherapy in dementia care concluded that while the results of one study showed a significant effect on measures of agitation and behaviour, the evaluation of other studies was problematic.
This was due to a range of essential oils used, the variation in assessment procedures and outcomes, and the need to consider variables such as medication use.
The review, which was published in the Journal of Dementia Care (March/April 2006), also found that contradictory findings (some studies found massage and aromatherapy associated with an increase in agitated behaviour for some patients, no change for others and improvement for others) emphasised a need for better quality trials with control groups.
Meanwhile, researchers at the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University found that older people who took part in twice-weekly one- hour t'ai chi classes scored higher on physical balance, functional reach (ie ability to reach forward without falling) and overall quality of life than those who didn't participate in classes.
The study involved one group in a residential setting aged 75 plus and another active retirement group aged 65 plus.