Dementia is a difficult thing to cope with, but it’s important to find ways that make the disease easier. One of these ways may be humor. Surprisingly, there are benefits of using humor while dealing with dementia, and it can help you stay positive in tough times. It is a well-known fact that laughter is the best medicine. But what about when you are suffering from dementia? Can humor help with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of age-related dementia?
Humor can be used to combat many different mental illnesses, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. There is also evidence that it can benefit people living with dementia by combating dementia symptoms like depression or anxiety, or reducing their frustration levels and improving their mood. Laughter triggers endorphins which give us an energy boost (similar to how exercise does) as well as making us feel more relaxed after we laugh.
Humor is a great tool that can be used by both carers and those living with dementia. However, be sure you’re in the right mood for humor – sometimes laughter just isn’t appropriate or even possible – especially if someone has had a bad day. If dementia sufferers are in a bad mood, they may take it out on you. Humor is a good choice when someone has had a pleasant day and feels positive.
Humor can be used to combat many different mental illnesses, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Humor can also help you communicate with others. People with dementia often have a harder time communicating their thoughts and feelings. They may not be able to find the words they need, or they may become agitated when they can’t get their point across. Jokes and funny stories can help bridge that communication gap by giving them something to focus on.
Humor can also sometimes be taken the wrong way by people with dementia who don’t have their full mental capacity to realize that something isn’t meant seriously or literally. But don’t feel guilty if they say something you think is funny. Laughing is good for them and you both.
It’s been known that when caregivers use humor with their loved ones who have dementia, it lowers their stress levels. Laughter releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. It also helps to distract you from your worries and problems for a little while.
When you’re feeling down or stressed, take a few minutes to do something that brings you joy. It can be as simple as looking at family photos or watching a funny video on YouTube. Remember the phrase: “Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.” Go ahead and use humor. Everyone loves a good laugh!
