Scientific research shows that silence is relaxing and therapeutic, restoring equilibrium and reducing brain wave frequency while lowering blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates. In silence, the brain also grows new neurons. This is hugely important for in Alzheimer’s and dementia the brain looses neurons. RST’s silence regenerates the brain leading to the significant behavioral improvement and well-being that I have witnessed for over 25 years.

When I first began to work with those with dementia I sought to provide a quieting and soothing atmosphere through the sounds of Native American Flute, my gentle voice and presence and other subtle sounds. When I discovered how healing silence was, I added an intentional period of silence after each of the sounds that I shared.

What I saw was remarkable! In the comforting silence after sound, people smiled. Tears flowed. People raised their bodies to a sitting position and excitedly shared their relief and joy of finally being at peace within themselves.

And this is the key to dementia relief: feeling peaceful within oneself. Dementia causes a person’s mind to speed up to such an extent that it’s impossible for that person to relax.

RST provides relaxation by quieting the mind or reducing the volume of thoughts in the mind. When a person with dementia is no longer besieged by a constant stream of thought, they relax. And when they relax, they return to themselves or their own minds and begin to heal.

Renewed in this way, I have seen the people in my dementia relief groups open their eyes, reach out their hands to be held and enthusiastically begin talking with one another sharing how wonderful they feel.