Modern understanding of dementia increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many dementia presentations.
The Nervous System in Dementia
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to dementia:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type dementia
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by dementia
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type dementia
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Dementia
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Dementia
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving dementia
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in dementia