A scientist at the University of Liverpool says that hypnosis can not only reduce dementia symptoms, but also improve quality of life for those living with the condition.

Dr Simon Duff, forensic psychologist, probed the impacts of hypnosis on people having dementia and then compared the treatment to mainstream health-care methods. Also, he tried to see how hypnosis compared to a type of group therapy in which participants were encouraged to discuss news and current affairs.

The study indicated that people living with dementia who had received hypnosis therapy showed an improvement in concentration, memory and socialisation compared to the other two treatment groups. In fact, hypnosis also improved relaxation, motivation and daily living activities.

"Over a nine month period of weekly sessions, it became clear that the participants attending the discussion group remained the same throughout. The group who received 'treatment as usual' showed a small decline over the assessment period, yet those having regular hypnosis sessions showed real improvement across all of the areas that we looked at," said Duff.

He added: "Participants who are aware of the onset of dementia may become depressed and anxious at their gradual loss of cognitive ability and so hypnosis - which is a tool for relaxation - can really help the mind concentrate on positive activity like socialisation."

Now scientists will conduct further research to establish whether hypnosis maintains its effects on dementia over longer periods of time as the illness progresses.