Care Techniques
From Everyday Life: The Silent Struggle of Caregivers
Watching a loved one live with a neurological disorder such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s can sometimes make you feel like you’re in the midst of an emotional storm. Every day, you strive to meet their needs while also trying to maintain your own inner peace. No doubt, by the end of the day, even taking a single breath might feel difficult. Through this post, I want to let you know, as a relative of a patient, how valuable and meaningful your efforts truly are. Because you are not alone. Scientific data and real-life experiences show that breathing and sensory regulation can have a powerful and compassionate impact on the nervous system—both for you and your loved ones.
A Brief Overview of Breathing and Sensory Regulation
Breathing and sensory regulation are two fundamental concepts closely related to the nervous system. In short; when practiced intentionally and in a controlled manner, breathing techniques help regulate the body’s stress responses and initiate relaxation. Sensory regulation aims to consciously manage the sensory stimuli around us (such as sounds, touch, smells) and balance the brain’s responses to them. Especially with neurological diseases, these techniques can act as tools that make life easier and help refresh energy—for both patients and caregivers.
The Nervous System: The Command Center of Our Emotions and Behaviors
The nervous system bridges the body and the mind. Through the brain, spinal cord, and the network of nerves, it controls all our emotions, movements, and thoughts. In neurological diseases, however, this system is challenged in many ways. For example:
In Alzheimer’s patients: Communication between nerve cells weakens. Emotional fluctuations and restlessness increase.
In Parkinson’s patients: Problems in movement and emotional balance can occur, often accompanied by increased anxiety and stress.
Scientific research has shown that the amygdala, which is related to the “fight or flight” response in the brain, and the parasympathetic system, which calms stress, can be directly influenced through breathing and sensory stimulation [Source].
Calming the Body and Mind Through Breathing Techniques
It’s very common to breathe quickly and shallowly during stressful moments. However, slow, deep, and controlled breathing helps to reduce stress hormones (like cortisol) in the body and enhances the immune system. Research shows that even just 5 minutes of deep breathing daily can slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure [Source].
4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale through the mouth for 8 seconds. This cycle activates the parasympathetic nervous system, initiating relaxation.
Abdominal Breathing (Diaphragmatic Breathing): Place your hand on your abdomen and notice how your stomach rises as you inhale and falls as you exhale. This method is highly effective in reducing anxiety.
Even practicing these techniques for just a few minutes each day gives your nervous system a chance to ‘reset.’
Sensory Regulation: The Hidden Pathway to Soothing the Brain
Sounds, smells, or touches around us can sometimes become overwhelming. Especially in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients, sensory sensitivity to excessive stimuli is more prominent. Sensory regulation methods support the balancing of stimuli reaching the brain, increasing positive experiences.
Tactile Sensations: Touching a soft blanket, silky fabric, or feathers—pleasant tactile stimuli can help reduce tension.
Scent: Light herbal scents like lavender or sage can have relaxing effects on the brain. Research indicates that the scent of lavender can reduce anxiety symptoms by up to 31% [Source].
Visual Stimuli: Dim lighting, soft colors, and simple patterns can create a calm environment. It’s important to avoid overly bright, flickering images.
Auditory Senses: Natural sounds, gentle music, or the sound of water can help suppress negative sensory signals in the brain; studies show that music therapy can reduce agitation in dementia patients by 25% [Source].
Additionally, certain sensory adjustments—such as a short walk, gentle slow touch from head to toe, or a light massage together—not only soothe the individual but also calm your own nervous system.
Why Does It Make a Difference for the Nervous System?
The goal of breathing and sensory regulation is to initiate the “relaxation response” within the nervous system and to strengthen the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. This means a slowed heart rate, relaxed muscles, clearer thoughts, and reduced anxiety. Scientific research shows that among those living under chronic stress, mindfulness practices combined with breathing exercises can decrease cortisol levels by up to 30% [Source].
For these reasons, these simple steps—which may seem minor—in the care of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s patients make a significant contribution to keeping the brain and nervous system in a “safe harbor.”
Practical Tips for Caregivers
Brief Daily Breathing Breaks: At least twice a day, focus only on your breath for 3–5 minutes. Improve your concentration and lessen your stress.
Create Sensory Corners: Keep a relaxing object, a soft pillow, or a pleasant scent in a corner of your home. Both you and your patient will feel more relaxed.
Use Soothing Sounds: Avoid noisy environments and play gentle music or nature sounds in the background. You’ll both unwind.
Outdoor Activities: If possible, take a short walk or sit on the balcony... Fresh air and daylight are natural healers for the nervous system.
Emotional Empowerment: Show Compassion to Yourself Too
Sometimes you may forget yourself amidst the intensity of caregiving. Remember: Even a brief breathing break not only strengthens you physically but also supports you emotionally. If you show compassion to yourself and pay attention to your breath and senses, you’ll also be able to help your loved ones manage their emotions more effectively.
Final Words: Making Life Easier, Together
Living with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s brings many challenges, but with simple methods such as breathing and sensory regulation, you can improve the quality of life for both your patient and yourself. These small steps, supported by scientific evidence, can help you become more peaceful, focused, and resilient. Remember; each deep breath you take gently embraces not only your body but also your weary soul.
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