Guest article by Lydia Dali
Inspired by those who want to give back to people living with dementia and to their caregivers, the Sente-Mente® model, created in Italy in 2014, makes its U.S. debut next month.
Every year, more people are being diagnosed with dementia and the number of families caring for them is rising.
While the media feature caregivers and information about caregiving, their role remains largely unrecognized until it is experienced firsthand. Caregivers often sacrifice their emotional and physical health, and their social lives and finances to provide care for loved ones.
In a way, caregivers are the silent army – ready to work 24/7.
Within the “drama of Alzheimer’s disease” and “anticipatory grief,” caregivers need tools and support to continue caregiving when faced with the “Alzheimer’s monster.”
Nurturing Hope for Caregivers
It is time to cast aside statements like, “There’s nothing you can do!” “He doesn’t understand anymore!”
Scientists proved in 2014 that life does not end with the diagnosis. People with dementia have the capacity to love, empathize and feel emotions even if they can’t express themselves in the ways we need.
The Sente-Mente® Model restores an outlook of possibility – helping the caregiver view and nurture the vital core within their loved ones. This begins with new ways of thinking. For one, we need to focus on the person living with dementia and the person’s preservation of dignity. People are not their disease.
PNEI (psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunology) views the body and mind as one “bodymind,” in which thoughts determine the state of health or disease. Feeling helpless triggers a bio-chemical cascade of stress hormones. Continuously stimulating this “fight-or-flight” response modifies the “bodymind” physiology, harmfully effecting the cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems.
The Sente-Mente® Model aims to help caregivers move from helplessness towards self-effectiveness. With practical and effective strategies, they will improve their own well-being and maintain a meaningful and empathic relationship with their loved ones.
Unconditional Therapeutic Laughter
One of the model’s strategies is unconditional therapeutic laughter. The effect of laughter goes straight from the body to the mind. It reduces blood pressure and cortisol levels and strengthens the immune system. It further benefits the bodymind by improving mood, self-trust and relationships.
Touch
Another component of the model is touch. Our skin is the pathway to our world and emotions. Through touch, we explore our environment, communicate, and build relationships with the world. Touch goes straight to the heart!
Teaching caregivers to get in “con-tact” with themselves and with people they care for with kindness and “tact.” This is the first step to restore wellness and health in both caregivers and care receivers. Contact triggers the “bodymind” system with a cascade of happiness hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins. The release of these chemicals also works to hinder the harmful and cumulative effects of cortisol – the stress hormone.
Move from Helplessness to Strength
Experience this revolutionary model!
On April 18th, 2018, the SENTE-MENTE® DAY debuts in America.
The workshop will feature Dr. Letizia Espanoli, creator of the Sente-Mente® model, Dr. Wendy Suzuky, Neuroscientist of New York University, and Harry Urban, who has been living with Alzheimer’s for 13 years and the protagonist of Letizia Espanoli’s #lifedoesntendwithadiagnosis.”
Attendance at the April 18 conference is Free.
St. Bart’s (Bartholomew) Church
325 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Lydia Dali serves as the coordinator for the Italian-based Letizia Espanoli, creator of the Sente-Mente® Model.
The more we focus on Life versus Dx we can begin to see possibilities.
would love to see a video of this or caregivers. thanks for building on notion of Life not DX.
I am unable to attend but would also be very interested in a recording or a Web-based session, if that were to be available.
I am interested in learning more about this model, I too hope it will be taped so I am able to watch the video. I live Sault Ste.Marie,Ontario and unable to attend.
Extremely pleased to see inventive ideas that must also include a review of the patients sexual needs as we age we remember when we were active. My program of critical care management can be added to this program to follow the original theme, we must keep the patient alive till they die. I am in Washington DC and unable to attend, very sorry indeed.
I am unable to attend the Sente-Mente American Day. If the event is taped, I am very interested in watching the video.