Springtime means gardening and Home Depot was my destination for flowers one beautiful afternoon. As I was making my selection, I was surprised to see Jane, my Alzheimerʼs patient, and her daughter, Sue, walk up. After greetings, I watched with admiration as Sue helped her mom choose an array of plants. Although Jane could not have told you what she was doing, she was smiling, holding hands, and having a wonderful time. What a sweet and beautiful reflection of love.
Tears came to my eyes as I recalled my first meeting with Jane. She was surrounded by hospital techs as a nurse injected a calming medication. Jane was screaming and cursing, knowing without a doubt, our staff wanted to kill her. Her admission to our advanced stage Alzheimerʼs unit was precipitated by the verbal and physical assaults she had inflicted upon her caretakers at home. No one could have imagined just ten years before she was a sophisticated Southern woman and a kind, caring mother of five and grandmother of ten. Alzheimerʼs Disease had robbed her of her dignity and was cheating her of relationship with her family. My tears were of joy watching my restored patient intimately relate to her daughter.
What happened in the hospital to produce such an incredible transformation? Jane underwent the same treatment process I have used to transform hundreds of late stage Alzheimerʼs patients. Infections were treated. Harmful medications were discontinued. Medications to restore sleep and energy were prescribed. A slow titration of safe nonaddicting calming medications were daily adjusted until Jane was alert, calm and happy during the day. Three years after her hospitalization, Jane is still enjoying wonderful experiences with Sue.
Written by William A. Van Horn, MD
William A. Van Horn is a medical doctor with 20+ years experience specializing in Alzheimer’s Disease prevention & treatment. He currently serves on the board of directors for the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Association.
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