In the news this week is a story about alternative therapies in the elderly. 2/3 of 33 clinical trials focusing on alternative remedies for depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances showed benefits.

Particularly promising were certain “mind-body” approaches, such as tai chi and relaxation exercises, in the treatment of sleep problems.

While many alternative therapies such as herbs, vitamins and hormones still have not proved effective for older adults, this was not so for mind-body approaches like tai chi. The article also stated that, while not yet clinically proved, mind-body therapies hold promise for treatment of depression and anxiety.