Lewy Body Phrase for 10-29: Relaxation Exercises

Relaxing the body relaxes the mind, lowers stress and decreases behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Relaxation sessions can:

• last a few minutes, as with deep breathing, or longer, as with yoga.
• be easy, as with listening to music or following the directions of someone in a soothing monotone
• be more involved as with yoga or meditation.
• be as helpful for the care partner as the person living with dementia (PlwD).
• have calming and clarifying results that last for hours afterward.

Deep breathing is the simplest of these but quite effective and can be done almost anywhere. It is also contagious. When a care partner deep breathes, a  (PlwD) will follow suit and relax too.

Find a relaxation exercise that the PlwD likes and start it early in the disease. If started too late, the more complicated ones may be too frustrating to learn.

For more information about Lewy body disorders, read our books:
A Caregivers’ Guide to Lewy Body Dementia
Managing Cognitive Issues in Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia

 Helen and James Whitworth are not doctors, lawyers or social workers. As informed caregivers, they share the information here for educational purposes only. It should never be used instead of a professional's advice.