Alzheimer's Prevention Starts With Laughter
/If you know someone impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, then you know there is nothing funny about it. This progressive disease affects more than 6 million Americans and scientists have yet to find a cure, which is why many people are shifting their focus toward prevention.
Can we find a way to prevent Alzheimer’s from affecting millions more? Better yet, can we find a prevention method that is easily accessed by the masses? Believe it or not, we can. They say that laughter is the best medicine. Well, today we’re doing a deep dive into the idea of using that tool as a way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
In her TedxExeter Talk, British neuroscientist Sophie Scott describes laughter as a significantly more complex social skill than most people imagine. She explains that, no matter how old you are, laughter can keep your brain active and healthy. However, when it comes to elderly populations, laughter might actually help prevent Alzheimer’s.
Benefits of Laughter
The physical act of laughing is linked to numerous health benefits, including:
Releases endorphins – Endorphins are a group of “feel-good” hormones that are secreted within the brain and nervous system. These hormones foster a positive mood and mindset and can be released through laughter.
Decreases negative emotions – When we laugh, we decrease our body’s production of cortisol (the stress hormone). As a result, we experience less sadness, anxiety, and anger. Laughter can also relieve distress and depression.
Changes perspective – Laughter can distract us from the things that bring us down. When we laugh, we aren’t thinking about our neverending to-do list, our pain, our grieving, or the disease we can’t escape.
Eases tension – Laughing physically relaxes our muscles, which eases the tension and pressure on our bodies.
Strengthens the immune system – Believe it or not, laughter can actually help to prevent us from getting sick. In addition to strengthening the immune system, laughing can also lower blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of heart disease.
How Can Laughter Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?
Studies have shown that laughing keeps the brain engaged and brain engagement prompts the growth of new brain cells. The growth of new brain cells can help to prevent Alzheimer’s (and other chronic diseases) from developing in the first place.
Not only does laughter play a role in preventing Alzheimer’s, but its health benefits make the symptoms of Alzheimer’s more manageable. In fact, studies have revealed that humor therapy can effectively reduce agitation in Alzheimer's patients. When patients are laughing, they are momentarily experiencing less stress, anxiety, and fear.
Of course, the benefits of laughter do not apply to Alzheimer’s patients alone. As you know, caregivers play an enormous role in a patient’s Alzheimer’s journey and laughter can benefit them as well.
When caregivers are laughing with their patients, they are helping themselves by relieving stress, strengthening relationships, and promoting a stronger sense of community. Laughter also balances the caregiver’s own emotions and can serve as a powerful outlet for grief and change.
Socializing Promotes Laughter for Alzheimer’s Patients
Socialization is one of the easiest ways to bring laughter into the life of your Alzheimer’s patient. If they don’t have nearby friends or relatives, senior social clubs are an excellent way to meet people in a similar phase of life – and meeting new people is a fast track to laughter.
When living with Alzheimer’s, it can be hard to remember to laugh, live, and have fun. However, spending time with others will remind them just how beautiful and silly the little things can be. Here at Turnagain Social Club, we offer Bingo, live music performances, chair yoga, and many more opportunities for seniors to connect. With both small and large groups, we have something fun, stimulating, and laugh-inducing for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Living with Alzheimer’s can be incredibly difficult, but there’s no doubt that laughter adds some light to the darkness. Whether you’re a patient or a caregiver, laughing more often is bound to support your mental and physical health throughout the Alzheimer’s journey.
While Alzheimer’s is a serious disorder that presents unique challenges to both the caregiver and the patient, it doesn’t have to steal your joy or sense of humor. Instead, we encourage you to open yourselves up to the possibility of laughter. You never know, it might make those tough situations a whole lot easier.
If you’re looking for a community of seniors to make a part of your life here in Anchorage, Turnagain Social Club is here for you. From engaging activities to alternative therapies, we strive to fulfill the lives of our senior community. Contact our team to learn more about what we can do for you and your loved one. Contact us online or call us at (907) 677 - 6770.