The Sense of Smell Could Potentially Help with Emotions!
Home Care in Frederick County VA: The Sense of Smell Could Potentially Help with Emotions!
For many people, the sense of smell takes a back seat to other senses, like sight. But really, the sense of smell, which includes receptors in the nose that relay information to the brain, can be very useful for a number of things. And one example includes helping with emotional issues. For this, there are some natural oils, such as aromatherapy, which can be beneficial, with recommendation of medical or home care professionals.
Some Basics
Studies have varied on the estimated number of seniors over the age of 60 who have issues with smell and/or taste. Too, there are links between the sense of smell is linked to the sense of taste. While age does have an effect on these senses, there are other things which can interfere or damage them.
For instance, the sense of smell can be affected by:
- Deterioration of olfactory receptors
- Liver disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Allergies
- Smoking
And the sense of taste can be damaged through:
- Decreased saliva production
- Tooth loss
- Side effects of prescription medications
- Respiratory infections
Problems with smell and taste lead to a variety of additional problems. For instance, losing the sense of taste can have an impact on eating habits because the senior isn’t able to discern taste the foods. To compensate, they might add more salt to the meal to try and taste it. Or, they simply won’t eat at all because there is no taste. And losing even some of these senses could cause depression in seniors.
Having a Level of Scents can Help Emotionally
Of course, not having extreme issues with smell and taste can help in and of itself. For many seniors with any sense of smell at all could possibly benefit from aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy uses natural oils to help create better emotional feelings. A couple of drops on a cloth, as a lotion, or in a diffuser can stimulate the release of chemicals in the body that relate to certain emotions. For instance, there are scents like:
- Lavender which can help with calmness and sleep … and it is also noted to help with arthritis
- Lemon helps with depression and anxiety … and can assist with digestive problems including diarrhea, flu, and improve circulation
- Peppermint, a very popular scent that invoke happiness and boosts energy … can also assist with digestive issues
- Ylang Ylang helps with sleep problems
- Chamomile is a soothing scent that helps with depression and arthritis inflammation
Before using aromatherapy, seniors should consult with their physicians and home care professionals.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional home care in Frederick County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 369-6677. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities
Resources:
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/smell-disorders
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/expert-answers/loss-of-taste-and-smell/faq-20058455
http://www.aromatherapylibrary.com/aromatherapyforseniors.html
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