ALZHEIMER'S
Is the answer Brain Structure or Brain Function?
The single most important
questions you can ask . . .
Alzheimer's organizations explain the
"up and down" behavior of the person
with Alzheimer's with the theory the "cause" is something in the structure
of the brain itself.
But brain structure cannot change fast enough to cause the often instantaneous postive/negative changes in the cycling behavior of those with Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions
The only reasonable explanation for the "up and down" behavior on any given day is brain function. And it's brain function that fluctuates, not brain structure. Why don't medical professionals acknowledge this?
Most probably it's proteins that account for the pleasing "mini-cures" or intermittent normalcy that surprise and delight us as family, friends and caregivers.
So, how do you replicate positive behavior and regained abilities in the person with Alzheimer's? It has to be something you're doing day by day that causes these positive moments! It isn't mystical.
PEOPLE DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S OFTEN EXHIBIT IMPROVEMENT OUT OF THE BLUE, WITH NO EXPLANATION, NO MAJOR INTERVENTION OR NEW TREATMENT.
Why does the behavior of a person with Alzheimer's fluctuate from bad to better without explanation?
What causes these periods when someone
suddenly "returns" and regains their
previous capabilities?
How can you replicate these safe, free mini-miracles by keeping track of "when" they happen?
Could it be as simple as keeping brain function stable through a healthy diet and environment, and solving pre-existing medical conditions such as a urinary tract infection.
ALZHEIMER'S 101
Brad Pitman faced a life-changing decision to place his mother Maude in a nursing home or care for her around the clock as she disappeared into the fog of Alzheimer’s. With a college degree in psychology, Brad believed in the powers of observation, reason and action. Along with relentless research, he applied those principles to discover the reasons and solutions to his mother’s declining condition.
Discovering the reason why she had moments of sharp recall became Brad’s all-consuming mission. He also combined common sense with the latest scientific knowledge, consulted with physicians and talked with pharmacists. His experiences confirmed that “paying attention” was one of the most valuable tools caregivers and medical professionals can utilize to help patients who may still be able to “come back to the party.”
The last thirty months of Maude's life, she lived as the same person she had always been. Brad, along with Nancy A. Driscoll, wrote the memoir "Ma Is Back!" to share his Alzheimer's discovery and story about restoring his mother's memory.
BRAIN FUNCTION = INTERMITTENT NORMALCY
INTERMITTENT NORMALCY REPEATED
=
NORMAL PERSON
Alzheimer’s patients don’t just come back,
someone needs to go get them.
Dr. Carol Ehlrich, MD, at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor at
Harvard Medical School, wrote in Maude Pitman's medical record:
1996 " . . . she had fairly severe symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease . . . "
1998 "I have seen Mrs. Pitman on June 10, 1998. At that time she was markedly improved, alert, able to concentrate, able to tell a joke, answering questions well, previously had been unable to answer questions. Good short term memory and logic."
READ "MA IS BACK!"
AVAILABLE HERE
It has to be something you're doing day by day
that causes these positive moments. It isn't mystical.
What causes the "up and down" cycle of those with Alzheimer's?