Learner Outcomes:

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disabling nervous system disease, affecting 4% to 5% of general population older than 65 years, but is seen in younger people too. Part of the disease process develops as dopamine producing neurons are destroyed in the brain stem, particularly the ‘substantia nigra’. Due to decreased dopamine levels, we see atypical brain activity, that affects movement, muscle control, coordination and balance. Cognition may be impaired but not in all patients. Olfactory dysfunction is among the earliest non-motor features of Parkinson. Many patients experience other burdensome symptoms, such as hallucinations, anxiety, depression, sleep problems and nightmares.

Many patients seek support from complementary therapies to increase quality of life. Essential oils have shown excellent antioxidant properties, influence dopamine levels and other neurotransmitters such as 5HT in the brain. Although there are no clinical studies in patients yet, we have seen truly remarkable and positive changes in patients which had a profound impact on their peace of mind. Madeleine will discuss two cases that could inspire you to explore the use of essential oils to offer support to patients with Parkinson.

Madeleine is founder, CEO and Senior Educator of Kicozo, global Knowledge Institute for Integrative & Complementary (Nursing) Care.

Madeleine is a former RN, Clinical Aromatherapist, Aromatherapy Educator, Massage Therapist and AquaCare Specialist.

Madeleine is a highly respected expert and world renowned educator in Clinical Aromatherapy (AromaCare), AquaCare and other complementary therapies, specialized in the care for the frailest patients and elderly, in oncology, in palliative and end of life care.

Madeleine is a member and advisor to the Dutch Nurses Society and Palliactief (NL), of the American Holistic Nurse Association, AIA (where she is in the education committee), NAHA (and approved educator), IAAMA, IFPA, EONS, EAPC.

She is also a Fellow of ICAN, the International Clinical Aromatherapy Network.

Madeleine is the author of many papers and these highly acclaimed books:

“Complementary Nursing in End of Life Care” (2015)

“CO2 Extracts in Aromatherapy, 50+ Extracts for Clinical Applications” (2018),

Her new English book “Clinical AromaCare – Aromatherapy in Health Care & Practice” is expected in May 2023.

Madeleine is also the author of Dutch National Guidelines on Aromacare and Aquacare in Palliative and Cancer care (2023).

Madeleine teaches at Kicozo’s campus in The Netherlands where she heads a team of tutors. Kicozo is accredited by the Dutch Board of Nursing Quality.

She is a guest teacher for some of the best schools for Aromatherapy and Integrative Medicine & Nursing in the world. She travels the world and also offers online programs, safe and science based (continuing) education, to train nurses and health care professionals in clinical aromatherapy (AromaCare), and other clinical complementary (nursing) techniques to enhance quality of life for patients and their loved ones.