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When I was caring for my Dad, who lived with Alzheimer’s for more than a dozen years, I was willing to try almost anything that might help him be more comfortable, ease his anxieties and fears and make it easier to care for him. I explored a variety of complementary and alternative medicine approaches, some of which he had used in the past and some that were new. Because we did get some helpful results, I’m sharing with you my 10th and final tip in this series:
Try Complementary, Alternative, and Western Medicine
Always keep in mind that a brain with dementia may react differently to certain treatments, so be sure to discuss new approaches with your loved ones’ health practitioners on an ongoing basis. As you try new treatments, be diligent about tracking symptoms and behaviors, as well as negative side effects or interactions with medications.
Reply to this post to let us know what helps your loved ones!
Take care,
Amy Goyer, AARP Family & Caregiving Expert
@LaurieP881056 So sorry you had a problem reading the tip I posted! I don't believe there are ads in this forum, so maybe what you saw was pointing to something else - I'm not sure! Either way I'm glad you were able to get past it!
Very pleased to see the sharing of complementary methods for dementia, brain dysfunction. There are numerous alternative approaches besides just Western allopathic drugs. Dementia is teaching us to think and reach outside the drug box. I kept my husband drug free and calm with use of massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, calming amino acids, minerals, herbs, neuro-supportive supplements, L-theanine, magnesium threonate, GABA, 5HTP, high protein snacks, nuts, and free of sugars and simple carbs. AD is AKA Type 3 Diabetes. Sugar is #1 brain inflammatory. Agitation, confusion is brain inflammation. Dr Susan Zimmer, DC BS RN PAc FASA
@SusanZ782428 Very interesting the things you did with your husband! I did a lot of those things as well for my dad!
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