Dear Dr. Simon, I have two friends whose mothers have Alzheimer’s. What would be the best way to help them both my friends and their moms? I have read several of your replies in the archives of your "Ask Dr. Simon" column, and your answers are very enlightening. However, I couldn’t find any questions on this subject and I wanted to know more about what Alzheimer’s is. What does it symbolize? What guidance could I offer my friends? Please advise.

Although our understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is rapidly expanding, scientists do not yet fully understand what causes the progressive cell death and tissue loss in the brains of people with AD. Most experts do agree that the build-up of certain proteins in the brain plays a major role in the development of the disease. These deposits of protein form plaques that disrupt the normal activity of neurons.

Recent studies have indicated that risk factors that increase our risk for stroke may also play a role in the development of AD. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. We therefore have another good reason to commit to taking the best care of ourselves we can.

At this point, neither conventional nor alternative medicine offers any proven cure for this disease. We can, however, help a person with AD maintain the best quality of life by ensuring that they are engaging in optimal health practices, including:

• A healthy diet, rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective agents, including abundant fresh vegetables, berries, and colorful fruits.

• Regular exercise, such as a daily walk in familiar territory.

• Activities that challenge the brain. Recent studies, including research by Dr. Robert Bender, medical director of the Johnny Orr Memory Center in Iowa, suggest that stimulating the brain can help Alzheimer’s patients recover a significant amount of brain activity.

Caring for someone with AD can be extremely stressful. In addition to the physical demands, watching a loved one become progressively forgetful and unable to care for themselves is emotionally painful. A caregiver often must function as a parent to the family member with AD, regardless of the original relationship. In this process, it’s important to maintain your own balance and well-being so that you don’t get sick. If you don’t care for yourself, you won’t be able to support another. I’ve found that people who engage in regular meditation and take the time for adequate rest and other healthy routines are better able to remain balanced despite the challenging circumstances of caring for someone who is ill.

In terms of the symbolism of Alzheimer’s, I’ve wondered if it’s a protective mechanism for someone who has experienced so much life pain . . . almost as a way to stop remembering the past. You might want to have a look at a book called The New Feminine Brain, by Dr. Mona Lisa Schulz. It includes an excellent chapter on dementia and Alzheimer’s, including an exploration of the possible underlying emotional components, as well as integrative/holistic treatment approaches.

Love,
David