Holistic and Natural Medicine offers Support for Alzheimer’s and Caregivers and Teri’s new book leads the way–
Holistic and Practical Support for Alzheimer’s and Caregivers
by Teri J. Dluznieski M.Ed.
I have to say, I wasn’t very keen on writing an article about Holistic Medicine.
I mean, isn’t that a group of folks who avoid doctors at all costs and shake their heads at a bottle of Aspirin?
At least that’s what I thought until I convinced myself to just read the book.
Well into the third chapter, I suddenly wondered “how had I been so misinformed?”
Then I searched Webster’s for the exact meaning of “Holistic:” — “encompassing an entire integrated system, as opposed to an individual part. Holistic medicine seeks to look at the entire mind/body connection in addition to the disease site.”
That simple definition gave me pause. Isn’t that what Alzheimer’s / dementia is all about. Plaque accumulates in the brain, stops neurons from normal communication, and memory fails– but that isn’t all, the body (though healthy it may be in the beginning of Alzheimer’s) eventually succumbs to the trauma of a major chronic illness, lack of dietary needs, weight loss, inactivity, and eventual total ill health.
Needless to say, I decided to finish the book and learned a lot more than just the best way to care for body and mind when someone has Alzheimer’s.
Holistic support is especially important for chronic conditions of any kind, but it’s also important for overall health as the dictionary states: “Holistic treatments seek to look at the entire mind and body.” And they work to treat ailments in conjunction with each other.
With my own chronic illness, COPD, in mind, I read more urgently.
I think our affinity for thinking of “holistic” as something peculiar is mainly because of the use of plants and things of the earth. Yet, wasn’t penicillin a fungus at one time?
Ms Dluznieski’s book makes no claim to cure Alzheimer’s/dementia, just as there has been no discovery for the cause or cure for Alzheimer’s from conventional medicine—
Yet, there are many ways to treat the mind and body through conventional medicine as well as holistic treatments to slow the progression of dementia as well as other chronic illnesses.
Both types of medicine can and should work together. The most important thing is knowledge. And that’s exactly what “Holistic and Practical Support for Alzheimer’s and Caregivers,” brings to you.
This informative books explains the process of Alzheimer’s/dementia in detail. Teri describes how and what happens in the brain as plaque spreads in broad tangles. She helps us see how it begins in the brain and all that occurs to mind and body as the disease progresses.
The end of each chapter is a recap of reminders of what we learned and a bonus Quiz to test our memory. I found this most beneficial as it glued what I’d learned to mind.
For me, much of what I learned was new knowledge. Previously, I knew little about Holistic Treatments. But now there are many holistic treatments as well as exercises which I will incorporate into my own daily regimen of conventional medicine for COPD.
As a bonus Teri has provided these informative reports for free download:
5 Things You Need to Know About Alzheimer’s
Top 5 Supplements for Stress and Sleep
A wonderful video series on many concerns faced by those with Alzheimer’s dementia and their caregivers can be found at: Holistic Alzheimer’s Video Series
Author: Teri J. Dluznieski M.Ed. is also the author of Dancing in Your Bubble (practical spirituality). She is a practicing herbalist and holistic coach specializing in Holistic Alzheimer coaching and group training. She does consultations and coaching for Alzheimer patients and families, creating comprehensive holistic protocols that support optimal brain health.
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hi Sandy,
I would love to hear any specific thoughts or insights… and what changes you might be making to your life/home and diet:)…
I remember talking to a student at Green Mountain College ( in the town where I live. it is a very sustainable school, evocological and environmental). I remember talking with her somewhere at the beginning of her second year. i was trying to get a sense of how her time at the college had changed her… created different perspectives and awarenesses. I asked her what it was like, stepping back into her old environment and addressing family ( who holds her previous world views:)… She said she remembered going home for the christmas break, and opening the refrigerator. Her response and thought with just one glance was: well, that’s not gonna work….:)… Seeing with educated eyes, things she had seen all her life, but never really “seen.”… it was quite funny, and poignant… and perhaps also a little sad. Because once we ” wake up”.. we can never really go back to “sleep”… There is something comforting about not knowing, sometimes. BUT- as anyone who has dire and chronic health issues knows.. going back to sleep, and the snooze alarm… are not really options… the clock is ticking whether we are awake or asleep:)….
Ahhh, you are so right about that. I’ve had that happen many times and still continues. 🙂 I remember the first time I read the South Beach Diet book. I never looked at bread or salt or sugar the same again.
Now, I’m learning many more ideas and thoughts I’d never really thought about before, quite a few from your book included.
~Sandy
hi Sandy,
i feel very honoured by the sincerity and integrity of your book review! I was also very touched by the degree of honesty that you shared, both in regards to your skepticism ( and perspective shift), as well as your own personal story.
I am more than happy to answer anyone’s questions, if they put them into the comments:) I am really looking forward to continuing our dialogue, and to supporting you on your journey with your health issues!
we’ll get you running marathons, and feeling great!
Teri
Hi Teri!
It was a pleasure to read and enjoy your book. And I’m still reading and underlining. I’ve really enjoyed it and know it will be a boost to my health.
~Sandy