Life After Dementia

Watching my mother’s journey with dementia–witnessing the disease ravage her body, bit by bit, with nothing I could do to stop it or even slow its pace–was significantly more traumatic for me than I could have ever imagined.  Now that I’ve had a few months to digest it all, I’m finally ready to share more about the profound impact the disease, and that experience has had on me.

“What hurts you, blesses you. Darkness is your candle.” – Rumi

Since my mother’s diagnosis, I’ve struggled with the fear and anxiety about what might come of me one day–would I suffer the same fate? Hereditary factors aside, the statistics are staggering: according to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in ten people age 65 and older have dementia.  Recently, I made the decision to stop worrying and start learning. I have abandoned my fear of the unknown by arming myself with as much knowledge as possible–and the process is truly empowering–the more I learn, the more I become informed and committed to a lifestyle that promotes brain and gut health.

The fact is our ancestors did not suffer from dementia. The environment is partly to blame for the continued rise in neurological diseases. That fact alone inspires me to fight for my health.

Luckily, I have always been a sponge when it comes to gathering information. I am equal parts curious and relentless in my pursuit to arm myself with knowledge and information whenever the topic interests me. In this case, it’s dementia prevention.

For the record, I’m not jumping on some health-fanatic bandwagon. I’m just a girl who has seen the dark side of neurological degeneration and has chosen to take an active role in my health with preventative measures and, in turn, share my experience and the knowledge I have acquired with you.

Presently, I am under the care of a natural practitioner who treats through natural methods by improving gut health and also performing a series of detoxification protocols without the use of prescription medications and conventional medical practice. Due to the toxic state of our environment, (everything from air, water, food, the products we use) we are being inundated with toxins, molds, bad bacteria, etc….all All contributors to chronic health issues and the increase in things like dementia and neurological diseases.

Through a series of modern tests such as HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Test), GI Map Test, a MycoTox profile, and a food allergy panel, my doctor was able to determine how heavy metal toxic I am, what molds have settled in my brain, and the current state of my gut.

The test results show that I am aluminum, mercury, and copper toxic and I have a mycotoxin on my brain called Ochratoxin.

I won’t bore you with the specifics, but these results are not good. If not detoxed from my body, they will likely cause neurological dysfunction down the road.

My treatment plan is extensive. The first order of business is to get my gut health back in order. Once that area starts to heal, my doctor assures me we can get those metals and molds out. He has also promised me that this healing process is a marathon, not a sprint. I have been given a food plan based on the data gathered from the food allergy panel. It is simple. I have resigned myself to the fact that my body, beer, and gluten simply don’t mix. This is the second functional doctor to tell me so. Otherwise, I will continue to eat the way I normally do 80% of the time. Whole, natural and quality-sourced food. Food is medicine.

Aside from my nutritional plan, I am drinking and swallowing upward of twenty pills, minerals, and supplements a day. This is my least favorite part of this process, however, my commitment to my health gives me the motivation to continue.

I see my doctor every week. Never in my life have I felt more connected to my health care provider. They assess my progress, symptoms, and overall well being. From there, they determine what type of treatment I will receive.

My care plan includes PEMF therapy, Infrared Sauna Therapy, Chiropractic Adjustments, and ionic foot soaks. These therapies are part of my detox regiment. There is something about taking an active role in your health that feels empowering and makes it all seem less scary.

I realize I just threw a lot of information your way–that was the point. The beauty of this type of medicine is that it is a very individual science and one size does not fit all. If you decide to pursue your own healing journey, embrace the knowledge you acquire and know that you are doing something good for yourself; after all, what’s more important than your health?

Here are some resources you might be interested in if you are interested in a functional approach to medicine.

Wendy Myers

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Dr. Robert Selig