Our family is one of the 16 million American caregivers for a senior with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Each episode we share, educate and commiserate around our experiences caring for our mother, while confronting our own genetic predisposition and mental health journeys. Whether you’re experiencing neurological issues in yourself or a loved one, Alz In The Fam is your podcast community and support group.
Alzheimer's & Psychedelics - A New Pathway to Treatment w/Del Potter, PhD
New research into psychedelics show promising treatment options for Alzheimer’s and dementia. In Episode 21, the Fair siblings sit down with Dr. Del Potter, PhD – a scientist studying the benefits of psychedelic compounds on brain-related diseases and conditions like dementia, depression and PTSD.
Del Potter, PhD is the chief science officer and founding member of ZBN Research. He received his Ph.D. in Medical Anthropology from UC Berkeley in 1980, specializing in Ethno-psychopharmacology, the phytochemistry, and extraction of psychoactive indigenous botanical pharmacopeia and their cultural significance, and psychiatric anthropology.
Dr. Del Potter shares information on the benefits, availability and future of psychedelic treatment for Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. Potter also discusses the origin of medicinal use of psychedelics.
Research shows that psychedelic compounds have positive effects on targets in the brain that may cause Alzheimer’s. As this research becomes more mainstream, more clinical trials and treatment options are becoming available for people predisposed to Alzheimer’s or dementia and those with mild cognitive impairment.
Dr. Potter also discusses the treatment options available, including a micro dosing approach that minimizes the psychoactive effects but still shows positive results. This could be a promising option for those with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.
While research is promising, Dr. Potter expresses concerns for the future of medicinal use of psychedelics, as it does become more mainstream and adopted by big pharmaceutical companies.
Overall, the outlook on psychedelic treatment for Alzheimer’s and other brain-related diseases is positive. Dr. Potter shares incredible insights that provide hope for the future of Alzheimer’s research.
To read the article mentioned in Episode 21, go to: https://bit.ly/3szWXRd
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10 Feb 2021
Alzheimer's and The Covid-19 Vaccine
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a big decision. In Episode 20 of #AITF, the four Fair siblings discuss the difficulties of making the decision for someone else – their Mom.
During this episode, the siblings use a Q&A article from alz.org to guide them in their conversation. The article answers frequently asked questions from caregiver and people living with Alzheimer’s about the COVID-19 vaccine.
In the fall of 2020, Poli, Allan Trissi and Boni had to begin weighing the pros and cons of having their mom vaccinated against COVID-19. For one, Carmen has already contracted and recovered from COVID and has opted for a more holistic medical approach her whole life. But the siblings also understand that a vaccine can help relieve their mom of the isolation she faces in her facility.
After weighing the pros and cons, Carmen has now received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Her memory care facility made an otherwise stressful situation for her, as smooth as possible.
Now that Carmen has successfully received her first dose, her second dose is coming soon. The siblings have to make a decision on whether or not she will get that one too. The second dose seems to have more side effects, which has raised concern in the family. The worst fear is that the symptoms could place Carmen confused and alone in the hospital.
Listen as the siblings discuss the challenges that come with making a decision for someone who can no longer make those decision herself, the fear of making a wrong decision and how they overcome these challenges as a family.
Check out the article that has guided this discussion here: http://bit.ly/2MMSTxe.
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27 Jan 2021
Alzheimer's and Home Helper Services - A Chat w/ Chris Kondracki
Care Coordinator and Owner of Always Best Care, Loudoun VA, Chris Kondracki joins Alz In The Fam for the very first episode of 2021! In episode 19, Allan, Poli and Boni sit down with Chris to discuss his experience as an owner and coordinator of a senior home care service company.
Always Best Care in Loudoun, VA offers Home Care with Non-Medical professionals such as companionship services & home helper services, Personal Care services and placement services for residential care.
In this interview, Chris and the siblings discuss the different types of senior care, what Chris has learned about caregiving over the years and how Always Best Care provides the best care for its patients.
While his company provides assistance to all seniors, Chris has learned quite a bit about dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients throughout his career. Listen to hear his unique expertise on getting help for your loved ones, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and how to navigate the challenging task finding care may be for your family.
Check out Always Best Care, Loudoun VA online here: https://www.alwaysbestcare.com/va/leesburg/.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with Chris, reach out to him at his email -ckondracki@AlwaysBestCareLoudoun.com
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