Slow breathing can help reduce anxiety related to dementia by calming the nervous system and improving brain function. When people practice slow, deep breathing, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” state. This reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the “fight or flight” response often linked to anxiety. By slowing the breath, the brain’s fear center, called the amygdala, becomes less reactive, helping to lower feelings of anxiety and stress[3][1].
In dementia, anxiety is common and can worsen cognitive symptoms. Slow breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic or deep belly breathing, encourage better regulation of emotions and improve focus. Studies have shown that regular breathwork can strengthen brain areas involved in emotional control and self-awareness, such as the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. This brain-body connection means that conscious breathing not only reduces anxiety but may also support cognitive clarity and mood stability in people with dementia[3].
Research supports the idea that slow breathing practiced consistently over weeks can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. For example, a 2020 study found that participants who engaged in slow breathing exercises for six weeks experienced about a 50% reduction in anxiety[1][4]. While this research is not specific only to dementia patients, the calming effects of breathwork are relevant because anxiety in dementia can be particularly distressing and hard to manage with medication alone.
In summary, slow breathing works by shifting the nervous system into a calmer state, reducing stress hormones, and improving brain function related to emotional regulation. This makes it a simple, non-invasive tool that can help ease dementia-related anxiety and improve overall well-being.
Sources
https://artofhealthyliving.com/breathwork-for-wellness-how-conscious-breathing-can-improve-focus-and-reduce-stress/
https://www.theneurospa.com/treatments/breathwork/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQsGg3DjWhW/
