THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF ALZHEIMER'S DEMENTIA AND THE BATTLE!

HERE'S TO FIGHTING ON A SPIRITUAL FRONTIER.
TEXT IN DARKER GREEN ARE LINKS - CLICK ON THEM

pay ATTENTION TO MENTAL HEALTH. THE SILENCE SURROUNDING THIS EPIDEMIC IS DEAFENING. ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE CAN NO LONGER BE BURIED OR IGNORED! THIS EMERGING AGING AND MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS is GRADUALLY BECOMing A WORLDWIDE PANDEMIC! LET'S EXAMINE BOTH PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL SOLUTIONS. THERE ALWAYS IS HOPE! IS THERE ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD? AS PREDICTED IN PAST POSTS, THIS STAGE OF THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IS ALREADY UPON US. IT BEHOOVES US TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE FROM A SPIRITUAL, biological and pSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE. THERE ARE MULTIPLE WAYS OF DEALING WITH A CRISIS. WE CAN ACCEPT IT AND DO NOTHING, MANAGE IT AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES WITH PROCEEDURES OR FIX IT AND RESOLVE THE ISSUES THAT CAUSED IT AND COME WITH IT. THERE ARE AILMENTS THAT ACCOMPANY THE STRESSES OF ACCELERATED CHANGES IN OUR ENVIRONMENTS. RELAX, LEARN THE SIGNS AND DON'T LIVE A LIFESTYLE OF ANXIETY! WE ARE all DEALING WITH INFORMATION OVERLOAD, POLITICAL UNREST, and lost social standards while AGING. alzheimer's IS JUST ONE OF THE SIDE EFFECTS. ANYONE THINKING THAT THIS BURGEONING CRISIS IS OF NO CONCERN TO THEM SHOULD THINK AGAIN. ONE OF THE THEMES WE PROMOTE THROUGHOUT our POSTS IS THAT WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! AS USUAL, NONE OF THIS IS WRITTEN IN STONE. REMENBER,​ IF IT IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES BASED ON BIBLICAL AUTHORITY IGNORE IT. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE SUMMARIES OMIT DELICATE DETAILS THAT ENRICH ENLIGHTENMENT.

CLICK  >  TO THE RIGHT TO PLAY AUDIO SUMMARY

ALZHEIMER' S: THE PHASES & STAGES

Alzheimer's disease, called the slow death, typically progresses through three major phases.
The first, earliest phase is usually referred to as mild, the middle as moderate and the late as severe.
These phases reflect how much a person's symptoms interfere with their ability to do everyday activities.

THERE ARE SEVEN CLINICAL STAGES ALSO KNOWN AS THE GLOBAL DETERIOATION SCALE (DTS).
THESE STAGES WERE DEVELOPED AND PIONEERED BY DR. BARRY REISBERG OF N.Y.U.
 THESE BECAME THE GUIDELINES FOR CAREGIVERS AND PROFESSIONALS.
STAGES 1-3 ARE CONSIDERED TO BE PRE-DEMENTIA STAGES.
STAGES 4-7 ARE CONSIDERED TO BE THE MOST NOTABLE DEMENTIA STAGES.
STAGE 5 IS CONSIDERED THE POINT AT WHICH A PERSON CAN NO LONGER LIVE WITHOUT MONITORING AND ASSISTANCE. 
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There are multiple early warning signs of dementia we Should not ignore. The symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may not indicate what we think they mean. Never-the-less, these are some telltale indicators. Short-term memory loss could mean something. If we forget the name of an actor or singers in the programs we just saw or the song we just heard it's, one thing. If we forget about the experience altogether it's another. Any significant lapse, especially when it comes to recent events is concerning. When we have difficulty interacting with others or just want to be by ourselves, we may be setting the stage for a decline. Social disconnection can shorten our lives by about as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The signs can be complicated. Loneliness and isolation affect everything from inflammation levels in our bodies to the odds that we’ll exercise, eat well or get to a hospital if we fall ill. A progressive or worsening sense of direction can also occur with dementia. This can manifest in things like difficulty with driving and getting lost in familiar environments. A loss of confidence can cause us to restrict our driving to very familiar, close destinations and low-speed, low-traffic situations, and good weather only. If we are being told by family or friends that we're repeating questions and/or stories and statements in a short timeframe, without seeming to realize it take note. If they tell us that we just asked that same question and it was answered, that's a red flag. We’ve all experienced a time or two when we fight with our brain to find the right word, even though it’s on the tip-of-the-tongue. That's normal. If it’s happening a lot and we're substituting or adding words that don’t fit the conversation, that’s concerning. If we begin to find routine or typical things requiring multitasking, like preparing a three-course meal, difficult to do or unsuccessful, this may be a sign that something more serious is at play. This might indicate that the brain's executive function is having issues.

TEN COMMON MENTAL ILLNESSES

We can better understand Alzheimer's through familiarity with other similar types of brain and/or mind issues. it is advisable to have some basic knowledge of these ten (10) types of mental health d-i-s-o-r-d-e-r-s. Mental illnesses are as prevalent as physical illnesses. It might not be a stretch to assume that there are as many mental maladies as there are physical ones. Consider everything from anger and anxiousness to depression and exuberance as mental "states of being." When any state of our being gets scrambled or warped from its created intended order, it can be described as a disorder. In fact, a mental illness is defined as "a condition that affects a person's thinking, feelings or mood for a sustained period of time that negatively impacts them. Let's examine the top ten mental issues. Remember, that behind any personification, there can be multiple spirits in operation and at work! This doesn't mean that we can blame a spirit or spirits for everything that happens to us. However, keep in mind that spirits are lurking and waiting for any opportunity to express themselves through. Cuts, fractures, traumas and most types of "headaches" are natural/physical ailments that require medical attention. Still keep in mind that the invisible psychological and spiritual realms are thoroughly interconnected and can manifest in tangible and visible ways. Our intention in this post is to illustrate "their" connections to "our" mental disorders. Let's start with some symptoms that we all should be familiar with. (1) Anxiety disorders probably head the list of mental disorders. There are "GAD's," general anxiety disorders, "PD's," panic disorders, "SAD's," social anxiety disorders, "OCD's," obsessive compulsive disorders and more. To many of us these are everyday "stresses" we can usually deal with. We hope that anyone engaging with this post will see the correlation between mental maladies and spiritual realities. (2) Personality disorders can be categorized as behavioral, emotional and/or thought patterns that overwhelm an individual's ability to control them. They notably deviate from the expectations of that individual's culture and society. Just being different does not mean that someone has a personality disorder. There must be some significant distress caused by or resulting from the way such a person sees themselves, others and various situations. This speaks to the lack of an individual's ability to exercise authority over their own spirit. Maintaining the capacity to adjust to, adopt or abide within a standard ensures that we're in control. (3) The third of these common mental illnesses is called A.D.H.D. This is a disorder characterized by inabilities to concentrate, sit still, forgetfulness, restlessness and losing things. Individual symptoms can vary by age, gender and the type of A.D.H.D. Spirits can take advantage of our hyper-behaviors when we surrender our peace. The letters are an abbreviation for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. There are three "recognized" types of this particular disorder. There is combined type A.D.H.D., there is impulsive/hyperactive type A.D.H.D. and there is inattentive and distractible type A.D.H.D. Most of us can recall a time in our lives when we've experienced one or more of these symptoms but still maintained order in our lives. Drugs/Medications are not the only treatments available for this condition, but they should be carefully considered. (4) Posttraumatic stress disorders are not new, just newly defined. The term "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)" was officially recognized in 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association. The idea that psychological trauma and shock, can and/or does occur following any significant traumatizing event has been documented throughout history. Car accidents, unexpected deaths, falls, natural disasters and unpleasant surprises fall under this category. We see this very often, particularly in soldiers experiencing combat, who suffer from what is called "shell shock." Our unhardened spirits can prove to be very delicate things. Stress is a psychological and spiritual reaction to trauma. What usually occurs after a situation abates or a danger passes is that the stress and trauma goes with it. If our spirit doesn't get the message, a prolonged fight, freeze or fight state may remain in place. Spirits often attach to emotions and can refuse to let go until we expel them; especially if they gained association through grief. (5) Depression can be seen as a "type" of a mood disorder. We all get discouraged from time to time. Faith and hope, which also have a spiritual dimension, can be lost during bouts of depression. Most people innately believe that eventually things will get better. Optimism provides a positive outlook even in negative circumstances. However, pessimism casts a shadow, even if the sun shines bright, without obstacles in its path or in sight. (6) Bipolar disorders are more than transitional mood changes. This disorder is characterized by both manic and depressive mood swings. The "manic" aspect is not necessarily a positive manifestation of energy although it can be. These "manic" episodes can cause feelings of extreme happiness, extreme irritability, or energized mental and/or physical activities. During manic stages, individuals can exert themselves performing tasks like cleaning repetitively, working excessively, talking unceasingly, racing thoughts, being irritable, acting out sexual promiscuity and going without sleep. At the other end of the spectrum, the "depressive" mood swing can cause them to feel hopeless, become totally unmotivated, bed-ridden, suicidal and fatigued. People suffering from this disorder can also suffer with weight, sleep and eating issues. Spirits of all sorts can take advantage of this inability to balance tasks and temperaments. (7) Eating disorders are almost as common as bipolar disorders. This problem is further helped along by America's destructive dietary dilemma and body image obsession. There are several types of eating disorders. Some of the most common include anorexia nervosa, characterized by a distorted body image that "usually" goes with excessively low body weight maintained by dieting and exercise. Bulimia nervosa, on the other hand is a binge eating, followed by purging disorder. Stuffing food down, feeling guilty and forcing vomiting are some of its trademarks. Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) should be included in this short list too. With all of the diets promoted by institutions and celebrities its surprising that we don't see more of this disorder; or maybe we do? Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED) and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified ( EDNOS) round out the dietary diseases summarized here. In both of these cases there are behaviors, signs and symptoms similar to one or more of another eating disorder. (8) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is another mental health condition and disorder that causes people to experience unwanted, recurring thoughts and feelings (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). This is a worry, panic and anxiety disorder. Although this malady is not as prevalent as others, it easily has significant spiritual earmarks. Cleaning, germs, counting and repetitive behaviors are not its only signs. The reality of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is anxiousness, rigid thinking and feelings of isolation. A desire for order is one basic human need that allows a restless human spirit to relax. (9)Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) begin in childhood but are usually diagnosed later on in life. Social interactions, learning and communication barriers are common challenges. Normal social cues and eye contact are often ignored or missed but this is not due to a lack of intelligence. We are designed as interdependent creatures, the construct of all life as we know it is such. Spiritually, we are also able to connect and interact with all of creation. These ties may not be obvious to everyone, but they are important. (10) Schizophrenia/Psychotic Disorders are not as rare as most think. Psychosis is a collection of symptoms that can affect the mind and cause anyone to lose touch with reality. It is estimated that one percent (1%) of the population will experience a psychotic break at some point in their lifetime. During psychotic episodes a person's thoughts and perceptions of reality are disrupted. They can easily mistake this as spiritual and/or supernatural experiences. Understanding that other spirits can take advantage of this state of mind is important because people affected by this disease may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not. So how does any of this relate to Alzheimer's?​ Anyone working with someone affected by Alzheimer's is likely to notice similarities to many of the diseases listed here. Most mental maladies follow matching spiritual threads. Our relationship with energy from environments, from food, from friends and our own beliefs is very important, it begins at birth and continues until death. Appetites, dreams, feelings, imaginations, impulses, urges and yearning must all be controlled, managed and trained.  Spirits can and will take advantage of any kinks in our armor. Most of us have more than one Achilleas Heel! The lack of societal standards and the new normal of anything goes is hard to refute. We no longer insist on the need to teach ourselves or get instructions about how to train the psyche and exercise rule over our minds. The psyche involves the totality of the human mind. This includes both the conscious and unconscious parts. The psyche directs the body's reactions to its environment and must be controlled! Finding or making excuses for aberrant behavior is not classified as a mental illness but rather as a spiritual malady. Examining and exposing the spiritual side of conditions, diseases, disorders, businesses, governments, politics, medicines, religions and society is what we do in this forum.

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DRIVERS: the symptoms and signs

​Alzheimer's disease is not new. Getting old has become a business that allows exploits of both the people with these conditions and their families. This "so-called" brain disease is a form of dementia that has come into prominence over the last century. Also known as type 3 diabetes, it "seems" to be caused by an insulin intolerance.  As an invisible mental disorder, it also has the characteristics of many spiritual maladies. As usual, the medical and scientific communities are only addressing the psychological and physical aspects of this condition. We've mentioned this before, and we will say it again. Each and EVERY "manifestation" society encounters within the physically visible realm also has an invisible spiritual force behind it in operation too! ​This is especially true with Alzheimer's disease. Are lifestyle changes in any way associated with this disease? Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative "so-called" brain disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens. It is the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early signs and symptoms include difficulty in remembering recent events, such as where we're going, where we parked or recent conversations. As this disease advances, the symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, self-neglect, and behavioral issues. Once our condition deteriorates further, we often withdraw from family, friends and society. Finally, after months to years of gradual decline our bodily functions are lost which ultimately leads to death. Although the speed of progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to twelve years. There are two book we highly recommend. The first is "The 36 hour day" and the second is, ​"Alzheimer's Dementia What Now? Help and Hope for Caregivers, Family, and Friends." Dealing with someone afflicted by this dreaded condition is not easy. If fact most people are not cut out for it. This is no reason to throw up our hands in despair or to give up hope. Anyone who has not directly or indirectly dealt with someone afflicted by this malady will, sooner or later. We are not alarmist or fear-mongers, we are aggregators. Knowing what drives a disease is paramount to understanding how to address it. Anyone who believes in God, as the creator of all things should also acknowledge that we were created perfectly and designed to abide within a perfect environment. Everyone knows that we do not live in a perfect world. Everything is suffering including plants, animals, weather, mankind and all of nature. The Bible puts it this way, in Romans 8 verses 19 through 22. "(19) For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (20) For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, (21) Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." This means that our inheritance, this planet, was compromised through our disobedience. This includes all aspects of life including the material, mental, physical, social and spiritual dimensions. To gain further insight about the spiritual aspects of Alzheimer's we must draw a distinction between the brain and the mind. The two are closely related and intertwined. However, today's medical science is primarily centered around addressing the physical and biological aspect of the deterioration of the brain. Their perspective targets our body's brain as the primary cause and does not include the intangible mind. In the same manner that the natural connects to the spiritual through the power of words. There must also be a way that our brain connects to our minds through our senses. Medical science associates the resulting mental decline as a secondary symptom caused by molecular and cellular failures. In our studies, the relationship between Dementia and the "vagus nerve" is rarely if ever mentioned. The vagus nerve controls our bodies involuntary processes. This includes bladder movement, blood pressure, breathing, circulation, digestion, fertility, gut health, hearing, heartbeat, orgasms, speech, swallowing and taste. A healthy vagus nerve gives us access to parts of the brain linked to creativity, higher cognition and abstract thinking for making decisions. Without a properly functioning vagus nerve our primal instincts controlled by fear; like freeze, flight or fight responses can rule the day. Our brains are most certainly linked to our minds! This is why we must pursue spiritual science. Of course, our approach to this and many other issues is different, rather than seeing the brain as the primary cause, we see the mind as the main factor. To examine this premise from both a spiritual and psychological perspective we must carefully consider how the invisible intangible mind functions. The "PSYCHE" is "the totality of the human mind, including both the conscious and unconscious parts. It's the center of thought, feeling, and motivation, and it guides the body's reactions to its environment. The word "psyche" comes from the Greek word psykhe, which means "the soul, mind, spirit, or invisible animating entity which occupies the physical body." Although "mind" is a nebulous concept, in our opinion, the best description of how the mind operates comes from Sigmund Freud. ​Sigmund Freud's theory of psychoanalysis proposed that the way we behave is primarily influenced by unconscious memories, thoughts, and urges. This was probably Freud’s single most enduring and important idea. In 1923 Freud developed a personality theory that divided the PSYCHE into three parts. They are named the id, the ego, and the superego. He theorized that they each developed at different stages and times in our lives. Although he was skeptical of religion and spirituality, the very idea that he classified these three parts independently as systems, infers evidence of a spiritual realm whether he believed in one or not. His theory regarding the three parts of the PSYCHE as individual but interconnected systems still resonates in religious and psychological circles today. He stressed that they were not a part of the brain or considered to be physical or tangible in any way. However, they have influence within every important mental function. This brief description of the three parts illustrates their relationship to our conscious, preconscious/subconscious and unconscious thoughts. The instinctive largely unconscious id represents our impulsive drives and urges. These are managed and controlled by the conscious ego. whose job is to enforce the prohibitions and learned standards of the conscious super-ego. The id alone does not respect rules. The super-ego however, represents a person's conscience and their internalized standards of morality. The conscious ego's job is to allow our conscience instilled within the super-ego to integrate its prohibitions on the drives of the id. This may be confounding. Let's look at the way the Bible explains it. In Romans 7:14-24 the dilemma of the PSYCHE reconciling these three systems is mentioned. The three systems mentioned here bringing conflict of mind are the law the will and the flesh. (14) For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (15) For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (16) If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. (17) Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (18) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (19) For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (20) Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (21) I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. (22) For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: (23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (24) O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? This may appear to be as complicated as Freud's theory, but it corresponds with the Apostle Paul's analysis of the same quandary. This "pickle" is a spiritual conflict inherited at birth. These posts focus on the spiritual side of our existence. Delving into the spiritual sciences with a carnal mind can prove to be quite difficult.

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THE SOCIAL DIMENSION

All people need visible, audible, tactile stimulation on an ongoing consistent basis to remain healthy. As many of us get older we gradually withdraw from society. Some of behaviors are dementia enablers. Our tolerance of the stresses that come from various interactions with others can diminish even as our circle of friends also decreases. Although this "seemingly" helps our situation temporarily, this may be the first sign of a symptomatic distress. No man is an island! Socialization is a critical aspect of our existence. Even GOD recognized that man would be better suited and complete with a "help meet." And as a result, GOD created the woman who was specifically made for the man. This is the MAIN intent, purpose and design of ALL women. The institution of marriage addressed that social, psychological and spiritual need of men! Without female companionship a man's creative quiver is incomplete! Men NEED women to balance, help and temper them. Married couples can complement one another like no other earthly relationship can. When it comes to couples that have been together for a long time, how many times have we witnessed the quick demise of the second spouse after the first one passes? When the first spouse dies, the surviving partner usually experiences a significant emotional and psychological blow that can promote a physical decline. The grief and stress disrupt routine practices and makes them more vulnerable to mental, physical and spiritual health issues. This can potentially hasten the death of the surviving spouse shortly after. Even young people dealing with "crushes" and breakups during their initial experiences with "puppy love" can become so heartbroken that they feel the world is coming to an end. Although loneliness differs from being alone either of them can cause distress. Isolation and lack of routine can enable demise. Remember these four attributes of good health: be DESPerate at all times. ​Diet, Exercise Social and Purpose!

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TIPS FOR INTERACTNG WITH THE AFFLICTED

There are some basic and even counter-intuitive principles to keep in mind when interacting with people suffering with mental and neurological disorders. This is a marathon not a sprint. Laymen and novices dealing with these types of diseases often create a disappointing scenario. Evaluating or trying to figure out what level of mental acuity someone is at requires discernment, expertise and insight. Many of us mistakenly blur the the line between clarity and ability based on a premise that mixes both short and long term memory characteristics. Instances of all kinds of memory reside and have unknown triggers. Asking, or quizzing loved one's memories with pictures and questions is usually not the best way to evaluate their condition. We can easily set both them and us up for failure. Do you remember me, do you remember my name, who am I and questions like this challenge the condition rather than inciting or spurring a memory. Friends, laymen and loved ones underestimate the cognitive reserve that our neuroplastic brains possess. Having a mission and something to accomplish or do often stimulates breakthroughs that may be short lived or can be repetitively recalled in Alzheimer's patients. Singing a song or humming a tune have vibratory and mentally stimulating effects. Moments of clarity and lucidity can be sporadic and triggered by unexpected factors like anger, hugs, laughs, news, sounds and voice pitch. One of the worse scenarios is having nothing to do; no schedule, no stimulus and no sense of accomplishment. There are spirits in operation and the environment they're in often plays a major role in a patients response. Getting out into nature and out of an institution can refresh the mind in ways that we may not understand.

THE PHYSICAL RAMIFICATIONS

It is vital to understand and keep in mind that Alzheimer's is primarily a mental disease. Although this "Slow Death" eventually reaches a physical stage of effects, much of that can be postponed and delayed. Circadian rhythms continue to play an important part in our lives regardless of our mental and/or physical status. Circadian rhythms are the pattern our bodies follow based on a 24-hour day. This is the name given to our body's internal clock. This rhythm tells our bodies when to sleep and when to wake up. It also affects several other body processes, like hormones, digestion and body temperature. It’s the tiny conductor inside our bodies that regularly performs a 24-hour symphony of biological music. all of nature is involved in this timing. This is why as we age it is important to get outdoors every day even if the weather is inclement. Keeping plants or having pets' aids in synchronizing our lives naturally and promotes better health. Get these people outside in the sun and the breeze every day! Our bodies set our circadian rhythm naturally, guided by our brains. But outside factors, like light, can affect the rhythm, too. For example, when light enters our eyes, cells send a message to our brain that it can stop producing melatonin (a hormone that helps us sleep). The environments we find ourselves in play a critical role in the way we act and feel. Healthy environments are characterized by more than just their air, landscape and waterways. There is growing evidence to suggest that exposure to natural environments can be associated with mental health benefits. Clean air, water, and green spaces can enhance people’s quality of life. Mental health issues rank among the 10 largest non-fatal threats in most countries. Nature is more than what we observe. Nature is the collective phenomena of all physical manifestation as well as the spiritual forces in operation behind it. Being in sync with the greater sideral movements of the universe mentally and physically is vital when dealing with Alzheimer's. Sleeping throughout the day and a lack of consistent walking along with other range of motion exercises accelerates the demise from this disease. Muscular atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass. There can be multiple causes. Disuse (physiologic) atrophy is a byproduct of not using our muscles enough. If we stop using our muscles, our bodies will divert the energy needed to take care of them. As a result, the body will start to break down our muscles, take energy from them and they will decrease in size and strength. This along with other factors precipitates the increased likelihood of the dreaded fall. Allowing people with Alzheimer's and Dementia to sit and or lay around all day is a death sentence! They require more than just assistance and monitoring; they must engage in daily physical therapy. Physical activity improves mental health, increases social skills, promotes restful sleep, prevents obesity along with a host of other benefits. Regular consistent daily activity must be at the top of the list of priorities right along with safety. Securing, rather confining, our loved ones, without a plan for maintaining them is either a dereliction of duty or plain ole ignorance! We should not depend on the facilities and institutions we house them in to implement these procedures, we should insist and check to make sure they are engaging in these practices with all their patients. In most cases, if we don't, they won't. The pineal gland must be paid specific attention. Unlike most brain structures the pineal gland is unpaired, there is only one. The function that is most linked to the pineal gland is the secretion of a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is best known for its role in regulating circadian rhythms. The schedule of melatonin secretion is regulated by signals from the retina about light in the environment​. Our Circadian rhythm is the pattern our bodies follow based on a 24-hour day. It’s the name given to our body’s internal clock. This rhythm tells our body when to sleep and when to wake up. It also affects several other body processes like blood pressure, hormones, digestion and body temperature. Melatonin levels should be highest during the hours of darkness. Melatonin activity can be used to signal that circadian rhythms are in their nocturnal stage. If melatonin levels are high and someone is still wide awake, it indicates that their circadian rhythms are not in sync. The pineal gland (light and darkness gland) activated by light produces serotonin, and in darkness activates melatonin. Sunlight is therapeutic! Light therapies using infrared and near infrared light and even incandescent ultraviolet light have been proven to be somewhat effective if the best source from sunshine cannot be accessed. Proximity to greenspace "earthing and grounding" have been associated with lower levels of stress and reduced symptomology for depression and anxiety. We know that interacting with nature can improve cognition for children with attention deficits and individuals with depression. Anyone who has ever spent time at a beach without going in for a swim should have experienced the cathartic relaxing effect of the waves endlessly breaking against the shore. A 2014 epidemiological study has shown that people who move to greener urban areas benefit from sustained improvements in their mental health. “It is becoming increasingly evident that the 2.2 million years our genus has spent in natural environments are consequential to modern mental health. The accumulating strength of research from multiple disciplines makes it difficult to dismiss the clinical relevancy of natural environments in 21st century mental health care. There are various geographical locations, hot springs, lakes, lava pools and mountains that by just visiting them promotes healing and restorative energies within us. Let's unite nurturing with nature! GET THEM OUTSIDE!

THE MENTAL RAMIFICATIONS

There's always a conversation going on inside our heads. This does not change with Alzheimer's or Dementia. We need to believe in what we perceive in order to maintain our sanity. We can find it through external and/or internal sources. The internal dialogue must be convincing enough, not only for us to believe it personally, but for others to believe it too. Cognitive and confirmation biases introduced into the conversation allows us to valid beliefs through our own reality. The inner conversation continues for us all. It is even better when we get agreement that include other people or other sources within the ongoing dialogue. Confirmation bias takes on a unique aspect when our minds get mixed up. Confirmation Bias is similar to the computer search algorithms we encounter every day. This bias deliberately finds similar information and topics along our usual interests. This reinforces what we already believe, true or not! The tendency to seek out, interpret and embrace information in a manner that confirms our existing beliefs is confirmation bias. This bias has a first cousin that can operate cooperatively or independently called cognitive bias. It is a cognitive bias that can lead us to extremely fixed inaccurate conclusions. Dementia allows us to take this one step further. Even without finding external reinforcements we can use "cognitive biases" to replace any lack of evidence. Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking derived by patterns of deviation from normal rational judgments. We can all fall victim to this problem when we create our own "subjective realities." 

THE SPIRITUAL RAMIFICATIONS

The important spiritual aspects of mental diseases should not be overlooked. Spirits have domains. They operate in both physical and virtual spaces. Physical spaces like Assisted living and or Nursing homes are usually infested with the energy of their presence. Virtual spaces within the human mind are often infiltrated by adverse spiritual energy too. We can see these manifestations in people and places everywhere when we become sensitive to their presence. Although many people suffering from the afflictions of dementia have compromised mental and physical abilities their invisible sensory (spiritual) faculties usually remain intact but conflicted. This takes us back to the Freudian model discussed earlier. The struggle to maintain balance within the PSYCHE can become quite obvious. The unruly Id can rise to the surface and be exploited by the general spirit of our temperament. If we are easy going and laid back that disposition can take center stage. If we are aggressive and intense that facet of our personality can emerge with a vengeance. This is especially true with dementia. The previously suppressed real complexion is easy to recognize, and the disposal become obvious. A once "hidden" character can emerge that seems so unlike the person exhibiting it, that we wonder if it's really them. This is where spiritual discernment goes hand in hand with spiritual authority. We do not have to accept the baser manifestations exhibited, but we're going to need to exercise a lot of patience and persistence to wait them out! Dealing compassionately with them and authoritatively with the spirit behind the behavior is the key!  Remember, invisible spirits can operate on the invisible mind behind the scenes to harass both us and them. These spirits know us too! These spirits can take us down innumerable rabbit holes if we are spiritually naive enough to go there! They know what buttons to push, and if we forget what and who we are battling against, we are likely to take it personally! Understanding gives us insight into our undertakings. Don't quit, get back in the battle!

REMEDIES REVERSALS
 POSSIBILITIES PROBABILITIES & PROMISES

What discourages many people in the pursuit of assisting Alzheimer's and dementia patients is the perceived lack of progress. Progress with such ailments is often measured in the moment. Every moment of enjoyment is a victory. Moments of memory recall and clarity, no matter how faint or scrambled are breakthroughs. Our futile attempts to fix what we perceive to be broken can lead to frustration. However, we cannot knowingly repair anything without understanding its construct. Our consolation can be found within the knowledge that no "Big Bang Theory" could have formed such a complicated creature. Even as we malfunction it's fascinating to see how resilient the human mind is! We must keep in mind how confusing and frustrated the patient can be in their attempt to make sense of the perplexity of their situation. Is there anything too hard for God? The answer is no. Are there any conditions that can impede and prevent God from working? The answer is yes. ​"So, we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief." Looking at things from a spiritual perspective is easy to do when we acknowledge and adhere to the Biblical spiritual standards of God. This becomes much more difficult when we adopt and embrace our personal cognitive and confirmation biases. Simulating natural remedies through new therapies like photobiotic modulation are as simple as getting out into the sun and minding our circadian rhythms. Starting with Adam and Eve it's easy to see how our reasoning and thinking can interfere with what's best for us. It's the lies that we first entertain and then believe that lead us astray! "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve," was the cry from Joshua, before he led Isreal out of the wilderness into the promised land. Whenever a doctor tells us there is no known cure, they perpetuate the BIG LIE! There are multiple cures unknown to them that they actually should know about like simply eating blueberries every day! "Lions mane" offers a natural remedy for a number of ailments. Why haven't we heard much about it? Ketogenic strategies and therapies using coconut oil and MCT have great promise. Products such as NAC (Acetylcysteine) taken off of the shelves during the COVID-19 Pandemic also appears to be effective. CBD gummies or oils is another therapy that has shown promise. When there's nothing to lose why do we tend to throw up our hands in despair? Nowadays, and in many cases our failure to believe God is brought on by our own hubris and a false belief in the medical and pharmaceutical industry. Most people who believe in Jesus acknowledge that on numerous occasions he healed any and every disease that he encountered. "And Jesus departed from thence and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel." How many of us believe that the apostles continued this healing ministry. Just as Jesus told them, they also performed even greater works. However, do any of us fully embrace the admonition in Psalms 103 where we can bless the Lord at all times, for all of his benefits which include the forgiveness of all our iniquities and the healing of ALL our diseases? Are we trusting in modern technology so much so that we no longer have confidence or trust in the LORD? Have we embraced what may be considered a contradiction in scripture? What did Paul mean when he wrote that whether there be prophecies they shall fail, tongues cease and knowledge vanish away? Did this include healings and miracles too? God forbid. How can the great exposition about LOVE in chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians have such a bleak verse? This is the passage of scripture often recited at weddings! Is it possible that people once believed so fervently that they expected just the shadow of the Apostle Peter would heal them? This does not exclude light therapies, plant therapies and a host of other alternative wholistic approaches. IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD?

HOMECARE, INSTITUTIONS AND FORMING OUR OWN!

Let's stop depending on the institutions, organizations and their conventional ways of dealing with elder care. There is nothing wrong with finding our own way. We should not continue to apply yesterday's traditional solutions to today's unique problems. This is where apologist get ostracized for promoting, revealing and saying things that are not mainstream or popular. We are not totally against assisted living, memory care, as it is called, and nursing homes. We are adamantly against supporting an industry that is profiting off of people's anxiety, despair, ignorance and lack of resources to deal with this growing silent epidemic. The ABSOLUTELY best way to care for anyone suffering dementia and any of the diseases under its umbrella like Altheimer's is to begin and strive to end the course of caring for them at home. This might be a controversial statement and may not always be possible, but those cases should be the exception not the rule. Unfortunately, most of us are reactive rather than proactive and fail to heed the early warning signs of the gradual decline and slow death associated with this disease. We believe that EVERY nuclear family should work along with their extended family to create, develop, form and have a system that will address the care of their aging members. Family reunions can be more than get togethers' with pictures, stories and memories. These occasions should include planning sessions for future eventualities that allow the shared resources of the whole to minister to the future needs of individuals under its umbrella. United we stand and divided we are falling to profit driven organizations and state institution that simply warehouse our loved ones. We can and should form our own ongoing family intuitions that exist in perpetuity to address these needs! This communistic approach requires a degree of unity and combined financial support. This means it must have a business-like structure with a charitable defined mission. This style of family and home healthcare solutions by us and for us is the best alternative to what already exists. Now in some cases this may be opening a "can of worms." For most people, this expression means to attempt to solve one problem, or to do something, that creates a whole litany of other problems that were not there in the first place. We will apply this meaning to the expression but that's not what it originally meant. These recommendations are for those that really care. This is not for people or profiteers who would stoop so low as to monetize misery. Avarice and greed operate at a spiritual level. Many people are not aware that they are susceptible to their influence and subsequently fall victim to the love of money. As we've stated before, Money, pleasure and power; aka the lust of the eyes the lust of the flesh and the pride of life have destroyed multitudes. There are nursing home franchises that specialize in both institutional and home health care. There are senior health care subsidies that provide housing healthcare and services. There are and will be even more government assistance programs on both state and federal levels to address this growing epidemic.

TRICKS AND TACTICS FOR MANAGING BEHAVIORS

It is important to regard the sensory aspect of our existence. Even if our loved ones appear not to be consciously present, they are still functioning sensually and in spirit. The spirit is the lifeforce of the body! Engaging the spirit is not that difficult to do. We can annoy them, entertain them, humor them or continue to ignore them. Most of the present medical approaches to dealing with Alzheimer's are not therapeutic, they simply involve drugs and 24-hour restrictive monitoring. Remember, the main battle is being waged in the invisible mind, rather than the tangible visible brain. The brain and mind are two distinct entities that should not be confused despite their interconnectedness. The brain is a physical organ that operates at the center of our nervous system. Our minds represent the non-physical, spiritual aspect of our existence that encompasses thoughts, feelings, and consciousness. Our minds can pace back and forth as it balances perceived reality with intentions, thoughts and memories. We can often see the physical manifestations of this in some coaches as they pace the sidelines managing their teams. An improperly managed mind can easily become a prison for us all! There can and will be breakouts from that prison and breakthroughs into it. There will be multiple moments that may be easily missed if we fail to discern or see them. In computer terminology, "the software of the brain is the mind." We do not believe that the mind ever sleeps. The mind is constantly active regardless of whether we are conscious or not.

​Imagine being trapped in a large room constantly bumping into the invisible people that fill it. On the other hand imagine being the only one in an empty room that countless others are desperately trying to enter into. These are two of multiple perspectives to consider when engaging in social interactions. The sense of reality controlled by the mind, functions as a coping mechanism and interprets both intellectual and physical stimuli. In most cases, physical stimuli such as smells, sounds, tastes and touches keep having the same effect as in times past. These can serve as gateways to reaching out and into the minds of loved ones. One of our favorite tactics and techniques are the use of sweets. Our weapon of choice is the savory vitamin D3 gummies easily purchased at any drug store. Sometimes we can penetrate into their minds if we find a gateway through the body. Stimulating taste buds have a tendency to bypass barriers, maneuver past mental mechanisms and lower invisible walls. Try popping those sweet vitaminD3 gummies in their mouth from hour to hour. Watch the results. Don't fall for the overdose "bull" told to us by the "so called" professionals. EVERYONE SHOULD DO THEIR OWN RESEACH! However, on this forum, we would rather "megadose" vitiminD3, which is actually a hormone, than to sit back idly waiting for some scientific cure! We are dealing with people not getting outside and exposed to bright indoor lighting day and night. Their circadian rhythm is out of sync and they are possibly suffering from a mild form of ICU delirium, a condition associated with circadian disruption. Each & every sensory experience that can be shared presents an opportunity to regain lost ground. Mealtimes are one of the best ways to reestablish lost connections. Eating should be a social event. No one enjoys eating when they are angry. Food, especially favorite dishes, can stimulate feelings of fellowship. Allowing patients to eat alone or just watching television programs without interacting with them in some way is akin to sitting in a prison behind bars in isolation silently observing the rest of the population intermingle. We must learn to look beyond the natural visible manifestations of this disease. We are able to and can communicate and interact with the invisible spiritual side of this malady. It may be challenging but it can be fun too. Jousting with the different aspects of the mind can also be enlightening.

Pets and plants can be valuable assistants when working with mental maladies of all sorts. Different genres of music express various types of spirit. Sometimes romantic music stimulates memories, arouses emotions and revives feelings. Music soothes, invites and incites energy. Music can soothe the savage beast. Remember King Saul in the Bible. When that evil spirit came upon him, David played so skillfully that the spirit which tormented him departed. 

There are a number of tactics and tools we can use to stimulate sensory and spiritual responses. Regimented daily routines and consistency are at the top of list. It is important to understand that Alzheimer's and dementia will directly affect our circadian rhythm, and this has a snowball effect on concentrating eating and sleeping. Providing consistent structure is as important as any medication that can be taken. The magic of music can be multiplied through singing throughout the day and dancing if possible. Listening to music alone is good but applying its effects by dancing and singing is great! Affection moves things in the right direction. Charity never fails! The power of a kiss goes a long way! Who can resist a kiss? Practice giving kisses whenever possible. We can plant kisses from all angles, for any reason, at any time. The sensory nature and spiritual significance of a simple platonic kiss works wonders. If the patient is not under certain dietary restrictions, candy and sweets can be enticing arousals. Alternatives like fruits such as blueberries, cherries, grapes, pineapples and other exotic treats can be regularly used.  ROUTINE and consistency can conquer complacency. We should try to make our daily visits at the same time and close to the same length of time even if its short. It is not the quantity of time that matters, it is the CONSISTENCY that makes it QUALITY time.

WHY?

ISN'T IT OBVIOUS? PEOPLE ARE LIVING LONGER AND LONGER! THIS IS A WINDFALL FOR THE COSMETIC, FOOD AND PHARMESCUETICAL INDUSTRIES. Alzheimer's and dementia are prevalent today in particular, but not solely due to population growth, population aging, and unhealthy lifestyles. The devil is raging, look at the condition that the world is in today! He knows his time is getting shorter and shorter. REMEMBER OUR APPROACH! There is a spiritual dimension to the effects and stresses from evil energy, especially in first world countries. The world population is continuing to increase. This will most likely lead to a rise in dementia cases. By 2050, statistics project that more than 153 million people are expected to have dementia simultaneously. The Bible admonishes us to "comfort the feebleminded, support the weak and be patient," not to get mad at them or punish them. Is this simply a genetic disorder? Our fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children's teeth are rotting. This is nothing new. Sowing and reaping is a universal principle. Call it Karma, the Boomerang effect or What goes around comes around! The circle of life is certain. To Know GOD is to know peace, With No GOD there is no peace! Peace can be described as no stress even under duress. Jesus' gift to us is the comfort of peace. Not like the world gives. The dictionary definition of peace is the absence of disturbance or strife. This peace is conditional. Peace treaties set in motion by men are simply conditional deterrents to mutual destruction. The peace of God is unconditional, it bypasses man's understanding!  True peace works in spite of any external circumstances. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;" All disease originated at the fall of man and has become a part of our inheritance. Genetic or not, we have an even greater heavenly inheritance. Remember, perfect love casts out all fear. There is a science to spirit, better believe it! THERE IS NOTHING TO HARD FOR GOD!