Abstract
Objective: To analyse the effects of aromatherapy using Melissa Officinalis essential oil, applied by massage to hands and forearms of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. and to evaluate the effect on their perceived overall quality of life.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in two nursing homes in Italy in 2018. Data were collected through individual qualitative structured interviews based on the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s disease (QoL-AD) questionnaire and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Authors referred to STROBE guidelines for quality reporting of observational studies.
Results: Treatment with Melissa Officinalis showed positive effects on all patients after the 12th week of treatment. The results were most evident in patients in class 3 MMSE. However, class 4 MMSE patients also benefited from the treatment.
Conclusions: The aromatherapy treatment delivered in this observational study, using Melissa Officinalis essential oil applied to hands and forearms, showed an improvement in the quality of life of the patients living in two different nursing homes. Considering the small sample available for this study, further research is recommended about the possible effects and effectiveness of aromatherapy using Melissa Officinalis essential oil for patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease.