Aromatherapy for Memory Loss

Reminder:  this information is not a substitute for medical advice!  Consult a healthcare professional about whether these treatments are appropriate.

Aromatherapy is the use of plant oils thought to promote health or have medicinal benefits.  These plant oils (sometimes called essential oils) are available in health food and other stores. 

There isn't much research on aromatherapy to improve memory and thinking.  Researchers at the University of Northumbria in the U.K. found that rosemary and peppermint aromatherapy seem to improve performance on a memory test.

For agitiation associated with severe dementia, aromatherapy with lemon balm (melissa) oil has been shown to be effective.  Results of studies using lavender oil for agitation in people with dementia have been mixed.

Learn More:

Read posts from the Tangled Neuron:

Beyond Drugs:  Other Ways to Treat Alzheimer's and Dementia

Other Resources:

University of Maryland aromatherapy overview