Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 344-345
Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects
ticularly a sleepy condition) and changes in appetite (particularly an increased
appetite). According to the results of the above mentioned 2 studies, good sleep
and increased appetite are not considered to be side effects of spa therapy, but rather
the direct effects of this therapy. Therefore, spa bathing is considered to be effective
for the improvement of sleep symptoms.
The present study showed improvements in BPSD as well as in sleep symptoms
as a consequence of switching from daytime bathing to nighttime bathing. However,
changes in life rhythm only manifested after approximately 2 months. The core
symptom is treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate
(NMDA) receptor antagonists. In contrast, therapy for BPSD is based mainly on
administration of atypical antipsychotic drugs or antianxiety drugs and non-drug
treatment. Nighttime bathing is likely to become one of the therapeutic approaches
for BPSD.
Keywords: Alzheimer, Bathing, BPSD, Dementia
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