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Comments about HOME may have nothing to do wih where they are now. Ask the person to describe the 'home' that they miss - and you may discover that the 'home' is actually the childhood home. Discuss that with the person - it will relieve the pressure. Avoid arguing about whose home he or she is in - logical explanations do not get processed. Your loved one is expressing a yearning for his or her conception of what home is.
Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia) occur because the brain cells that instruct someone to swallow no longer work. So, even if someone is otherwise mechanically able to swallow, the message to swallow doesn't get sent down to the throat. It is one of the significant effects as the disease progresses.
Getting Help: Enlist the aid of your place of worship, the local senior center, the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Assn. There are many volunteers who will help give you some relief. Even if your loved one resists a local day center for people with memory problems, accompany your loved one and then you can leave. Ask your brotheres sisters or other relatives for help - even if it is to make phone calls, set-up medical appointments or pay the bills.
Please make time for yourself and your family as best you can - It makes all the difference.
What a commendable journey you are on,
JudyView Thread


Dr. Lara specifically said that cocnut oil loses its effectiveness when heated. I just tried some and it tastes good, melting in my mouth immediately. I also have the organic virgin cocnut oil from Trader Joe's and it lists no cholesterol, no sodium,. I t does state 14 grams of fast of which 12 is saturated fat. I would email Dr. Lara to ask his opinion of how the oil affects triglicerides and if it is, indeed, OK for cholesterol restriction.
Let us know how you make out,
JudyView Thread

Just found out at a workshop yesterday given by Dr.Michael Lara that 2-3 Tablespoons of coconut oil 3 times a day may be good for the brain for people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. That is the main ingredient in the drug Axona. For people in general, coconut oil is also beneficial - about 1 tablespoon in the am and pm. Do not cook with it since that will break it down to counteract the benefit. You can gently melt it and combine it with something else. Coconut milk also works.
Check with your doctor to confirm Dr. Lara's recommendations.View Thread

In response to those of you who have written and others, here are some tips that have been associated with reducing the risk of Alzheimer's:
- Aerobic Exercise. This is by far the most important thing you can do. Even walking 30 minutes/day, 5days/week has been correlated with an increase in brain volume and improvement in memory.
- "If it's good for your heart, it's good for your brain." Low fat, high grain, high fiber diets with lots of fruit, vegetables and fatty fish such as salmon is associated with lowering risk.
- Learn something new. It stimulates all the new brain cells that are born every day of your life.
- Socialize. Friends are good for your health.
- Get involved in activities such as reading, playing bridge, going to classes, etc. Eleven activities a week has been associated with a one and two-thirds delay of onset. Even fewer numbers of activities may delay onset somewhat.

- Alzheimer's Assn. www.alz.org 800-272-3900.
- Local Veterans Administration (you don't have to be in the military).
- The Azheimer's Cafe - a new group cropping up in communities.

Eleven Ways to Prepare
- Include photos and anything important in his new room.
- Make sure the shower is safe add grab bars.
- Obtain help early - check out your community resources.
- Make sure you have financial and medical authorizations in place.
- Install tamper-free locks on all exit doors.
- Seniorize you home for safety.
- Let your friends and family know .
- Invite people over - don't isolate.
- Check out Adult Day Care in your community.
- Remember to exercise and take care of yourself.
- Join a support group or support sommunity.

I did see your post. I was in the midst of replying to you directly when I realized that maybe others would benefit as well. That's when I decided to make my reply into a "TIP".
You inspired me to add on to your useful suggestions.
Many thanks,
JudyView Thread

It is so important for caregivers to get some help early on especially when bathing and showering become a challenge. Whether you shower someone with or without a trained caregiver, here are some tips to make bathing go more smoothly:
- Call it 'spa time'.
- Have the bathroom set up before you begin.
- Play soft music in the background.
- Have lemon or lavender scented aromas present to relax.
- Have extra soap, washcloths and towels nearby so that the person with Alzheimer's can participate.
- Explain each thing you are about to do in a soft reassuring voice before you do it.
- Engage the individual in a conversation about something he or she enjoys talking about.
- In advance, make sure that the water is hot enough, and that the room is nice and warm.
- Have a shower seat handy if standing is problematic.
- Make sure there are grab bars in the shower.
Let me know if this helps,
JudyView Thread
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