A Dose of Laughter

Research and discussion of alternative therapies in healthcare are at an all time high. Americans spend millions of dollars each year on these alternative methods; and as a result, the Surgeon General has formed a committee to study them. These therapies include such methods as therapeutic touch, massage, the use of herbs and vitamins, and acupuncture to name a few. Most of these therapies can be obtained for a high price. However, there is another therapy which has proven to have positive physiological, psychological and spiritual effects on the body and is basically free with no known negative side effects. This alternative therapy involves the use of laughter.

Research

Researchers studying the side effects of laughter have concluded there are several positive effects on the body in response to laughter. Laughter has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, and boost the body's immune system. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a sense of well being.

Dementia Challenges

Patch Adams recognized the benefits of laughter in health care and created the Gesundheit Institute. If you haven't seen the movie "Patch Adams," which tells the story of his life, staring Robin Williams, I strongly suggest watching it. Patch Adams states "the best therapy is being happy-all other things doctors can do are at best aids."

In caring for residents in the early stages of dementia, it would seem that it would be quite easy to introduce laughter. However, for residents with advanced dementia, they may perceive things differently. A funny face may be frightening to these residents and produce a negative response. Jokes may not be understood and, thus, not produce a laugh. To utilize laughter effectively, the staff would have to become truly connected with the residents, their background, behaviors, likes and dislikes and responses to various stimuli. Only then would we know how to reach the residents and allow them the benefits of laughter. This may mean showing videos of the "Honey Mooners," "The Jackie Gleason Show," "I Love Lucy" or maybe "Mr. Ed." Or possibly, within limits, try a little tickling to initiate laughter. The possibilities are endless if we are able to really know our residents and what they perceive as funny.

Will the positive effects of laughter be observed with our population? Without introducing laughter therapy and doing some research of our own, we will never know. What has been proven is that laughter has the potential to be a powerful therapy for both our residents as well as the staff.