This is a powerful video showing the interaction between an Alzheimer patient and the family dog. This video made me think about the therapy dogs that they used to bring to my Grandmother’s personal care home. I remember being intrigued by how the residents seemed to relax and “find” themselves when the dogs were there.

At my age, many of my friends and colleagues all seem to be entering that stage in life in which our parents are aging and in some cases are less able to care for themselves. My Grandmother lived to be well over 90 and I certainly observed her health failing over the last few years of her life. At times she wouldn’t recognize me and my presence often brought back memories of my mom who had passed away many years prior to my Grandma’s death. The conversation would often be very circular going from one topic to another and then repeating. She would ask the same questions over and over and would often become very emotional during our visits. I didn’t see my Grandma more than a time or two per year, but found our latter visits very difficult. I always felt that seeing me reminded her of my mom and upset her. It was difficult, especially for those closest to her who had to manage the stress of her failing health on a regular basis.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are terms that are often mistakenly used interchangeably. However, the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan defines Dementia as the term used to describe a variety of brain disorders with symptoms including loss of memory, judgement and reasoning, as well as significant changes in mood and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of Dementia that is very difficult to diagnosis with 100% accuracy and the diagnosis is generally determined through a series of tests and a process of elimination. Alzheimer’s accounts for approximately 64% of all Dementia in Canada. The Alzheimer Society has developed a list of 10 Warning Signs to look for as your loved ones begin to age.

Early diagnosis is essential as some symptoms can be slowed down if the source of the dementia can be determined and a proper treatment plan put in place. If you know someone living with a form of dementia watch this incredible video that portrays how two healthy adults feel when exposed to a simulated experience of what living with Alzheimer’s Dementia might be like.

Although there is no known cure, many doctors and health care professionals are recognizing the connection between glutathione levels and optimal health. Glutathione is thought of as the master of all antioxidants and supplements that promote glutathione production in the body have been linked to symptom control for many patients suffering from numerous ailments. In Dr. Jimmy Gutman’s book called Glutathione Your Key to Health chapters 5 through 24 talk about the role of Glutathione in optimal health and healing. His book includes chapters on each of the following: cancer; aging; Parkinson’s; Alzheimer’s; heart disease, stroke and cholesterol; diabetes; the liver and hepatitis; Aids; Multiple Sclerosis; lung disease; digestive disease; kidney failure; ears, eyes, nose, throat and teeth; pregnancy, lactation and childbirth; trauma and burns; seizures; skin disorders; Autism and the role of glutathione and in males. The book is very informative and really describes how vital glutathione is to our over all health.

My dad is 78 and has taken Immunocal (a supplement that boosts your body’s production of glutathione) on a daily basis for several years now. He is in awesome health and had his first cold in decades this past winter. He takes no prescribed medication and continues to be extremely healthy. I too take the product and despite being exposed to a variety of illnesses at school on a daily basis, I’m rarely sick and can often “nip illness in the bud” by doubling up on my supplement and having a restful sleep.

If you are interested in learning more about Glutathione and/or Immunocal you can check out one of my previous posts on “What is whey protein and why is Immunocal the best product on the market?” or visit the Immunotec website to check-out the products. There is nothing worse than watching the quality of life slip away from a loved one. I am so thankful that my dad is still so active and full of life at 78. He looks and feels great and claims that Immunocal is the key to his wellness!