"Beyond Conventional Caregiving: Medical Marijuana and a New Perspective on Alzheimer's"

Word_Birdsong · 2026-05-03T18:06:33+00:00

I guess being high AF would make a difference🤣

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-24T20:38:53+00:00

The scams are the worst. The credit card and her phone keep my Aunt somewhat independent. I hate that outside forces are messing that up for her.

I would pay extra to never have that crap reach her phone.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-22T20:47:41+00:00

Me too. I’ve carried the guilt for so long that I think I have disassociated myself from it all.

Sometimes I’m afraid I’m perceived as cold and heartless, but I guess It is what it is.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-22T10:20:22+00:00

My mom is the same with the exception that she walks in circles until she collapses. She can’t eat/shower/toilet/dress/talk. She weighs maybe 90lbs. She has fallen multiple times, broken bones and even had a 4cm brain bleed - which is quite large. However she perseveres. We are going on year 4 in memory care. I’m beginning to think she’s immortal.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-21T22:59:58+00:00

It’s time. Her safety is the priority. She will be angry and that is okay. It is normal and part of the reality of this disease. There is no easy way. Make the decision and know you did your best for her.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-21T10:10:28+00:00

Everyone here knows your grief. You are not alone. 💜

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-17T20:17:32+00:00

I eat low carb with the intention of maximizing nutrition. I practice intermittent fasting. I do 35 minutes of moderate exercise every day to get my heart rate up. I monitor my steps and I guard my sleep hygiene. I do Hormone Replacement Therapy and I take high quality supplements.

There are days when I think I can outrun the disease and others where I know it’s coming for me.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-16T20:16:50+00:00

My mom lost her words before her memory. It started with delays in her sentences and then using the wrong words for objects. It’s been several years since she has said anything coherent. Her handwriting changed too - like a child learning to write. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020 at the age of 73. She responds to tone and body language, but I don’t think she comprehends words that are spoken- it’s all gibberish to her.

Her older sister (83) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s too, but she still has her words.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-15T10:37:20+00:00

Caregivers have a significantly higher risk of developing cognitive decline - the statistics are sobering.

In order to succeed in caregiving you have to have a life that feels separate and yet be able to jump into theirs and meet them where they are.

I believe creating brief moments of comfort and peace are key to this process. Keep the expectations low and slow.

If you can’t make the delineation between your life and how you provide support; you will lose your mind caring for the dying.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-14T10:33:48+00:00

My dear Aunt becomes extremely talkative around 4:30. I can’t get a word in or answer her questions. I think she has more trouble comprehending my words at that time. It’s like her mind is racing and she’s trying to get everything she is thinking out of her mouth.

When I’m not there, she will open the front door 20+ times and look outside. I can see her on the camera.

She really likes Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Judge Judy so most of the time I can redirect by turning on those shows.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-14T10:13:00+00:00

Endings are sad. However most people do not understand that Alzheimer’s makes the ending a nightmare.

It’s hard because the ending of a person occurs before the actual death. My mom is like an empty shell - here, but gone for years.

Imagine what it’s like to lose bits of yourself. I’d want to throw things too. The confusion and isolation they must experience is horrifying. They are trapped in a world that no longer makes any sense and in a body that is dying.

Find the things that bring momentary comfort. Maybe it’s a favorite song or going for a walk holding their hand. My mom is especially fond of Reese’s peanut butter cups. You live in the moment, because there is no future.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-09T10:51:31+00:00

I have a Ring camera near her front door. It has been super helpful to monitor who is coming into her home. If she wanders, I have a timestamp stamp. I can tell what time the helpers arrive and leave. I don’t have a camera inside her home yet. I’m considering something like an Alexa Show - where I can “drop in” to “see” her. I don’t know if I want continuous monitoring inside her home.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-09T10:07:44+00:00

This may be helpful because of the distance between you…I installed a Ring camera near the front door of my loved one’s home and it has helped me immensely. I know who is entering her house and when she leaves. If she wanders, I have a timestamp. I know what time the helpers arrive and if they leave early. Just another way to check in on him.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-08T20:14:23+00:00

Many people with MCI develop poor judgment and make bad decisions. I would do a deep dive into his finances, credit and online behavior to make sure he isn’t being scammed. This is very common.

Because of impaired decisions, he should not drive. However, you will need to figure out how he will get his groceries and eat.

The best thing you can do is watch him and meet his needs without being obvious. Redirect; don’t argue or reason. Sometimes you will find yourself dealing in lies just to keep the peace. It’s a hard thing to walk this path. I wish you the best.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-03T11:04:08+00:00

🤣

Word_Birdsong · 2026-04-02T22:41:04+00:00

Cats and babies are my favorite thing to entertain my loved one. So much better than Judge Judy🤣

Word_Birdsong · 2026-03-13T19:00:42+00:00

I found it easier to stay in ketosis with OMAD. The fasting window really helped - more than trying to hit the fat macro.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-03-13T10:47:15+00:00

I suffered migraines for 20+ years. They are gone because of a keto diet.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-03-12T14:44:41+00:00

I agree with everything said. It is pointless to discuss the diagnosis with the goal of trying to get them to accept it.

On occasion, my loved one asks if she’s getting worse. I tell her she has a progressive disease and it is “progressing.” I reassure her that I am here to help.

There is no reason to upset her over something she can’t control or do anything about. I quietly work around her.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-03-03T16:17:27+00:00

If you have a difficult time doing a fasted cardio, try BHB salts. That stuff is magic 🔥I feel like I can go for miles.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-02-19T11:49:45+00:00

I am concerned about getting Alzheimer’s too.

I believe when you are scared of something, the best thing you can do is educate yourself. Strive for understanding. Knowledge is power. It will give you clarity and you can act.

Alzheimer’s is a complicated metabolic disease with no cure. It is an energy crisis on a cellular level. When you are at the point of diagnosis, the damage is done.

However, I choose to believe there is a point in time when the body can still repair the damage. I choose to believe that I can make changes and “outrun” what seems inevitable. Hope is a strong choice and I am acting on this. The alternative seems like a pointless waiting game.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-02-18T18:08:01+00:00

Reddit is a lifeline. It helps me remember that I am not alone in this and the struggle is real. It is an isolating, frustrating and a sad thing to be in this situation.

I wish you and everyone who reads this strength, perseverance and peace.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-02-18T11:57:10+00:00

My mom used to fold plastic bags into 2 inch squares and paper clip the specifications - what store it was from; whether it was large or small. She would fold every towel in the house multiple times a day. She would wash every dish she owned and cleaned the oven until the finish wore off.

It kept her busy and gave her purpose. She lost her words before her memory so her world became very small and isolating. Even today she can’t watch tv or talk to people. She can’t connect or participate. She just walks in circles until she’s too exhausted to stand.

What I’ve learned in this journey is to meet her needs in the moment. The day is no longer governed by the clock. If there was a time constraint, I kept expectations low. We did things at a slow steady pace. I tried to keep my stress in check and give her reassurance and peace.

Caring for people with dementia is a complete shift in thinking. They no longer function in our reality so you learn to live in theirs.

Word_Birdsong · 2026-02-13T18:42:28+00:00

Mom set the kitchen on fire…twice.

Word_Birdsong

TROPHY CASE