Overseas Natural Holistic Approach

PanamaFarmer

I bought an organic farm in Panama in 2018. It is near the mountains and rainforest so daily temperatures of 70-77 degrees 365. Late 2020, I moved my mom from an assisted living facility in Las Vegas to live with me in Panama for better air quality, simple quality of life and to eat all the organic tropical fruit and veggies I grow here. 

She has vascular dementia and is 86 years old. She takes no medications and has very good physical stamina. I have been mainly using a combination of holistic doctors drug free dementia protocols focusing on diet, nutrition, lifestyle and natural solutions. She exercises 30 minutes a day, eats several servings of leafy greens daily and lots of good fats (avocado & coconut trees), lots of prayer and meditation and walks on the farm. She takes a quality multi vitamin, d3, omega 3 krill oil, an ayurvedic supplement with turmeric & gotu kola and Bacopa Monniera. 

The challenges I am having are:

(1) the Spanish nurse caregiver who is an excellent cook and cleaner speaks little English and it bothers my mother. She gets agitated that she can't understand her. It is very hard to find someone English speaking due to living so remote. I am 1 hour from a decent city and 35 minutes from a store. Not easy to find laborers but the caregiver lives on the premises 4-5 days a week and very economically. Should I continue to work with her or just look harder for an English speaking caregiver?

(2) Moms delusions and stories are off the wall but she only does them when the caregiver is here so I wonder if it is real or just for attention. But, she gets very aggressive with the caregiver and tells her to leave or the police will take her. I have changed her from sleeping in the room with my mom to another room but mom still gets aggressive towards her. 

(3) The Dementia doctor here in Panama loved her natural protocol but suggested putting her on Dopezil or Donepezil 5 mg for 4 weeks and after for 10mg. He says it could add another 3 years to her life. Anyone use this drug while under a more holistic approach or even using with other drugs?

(4) Physical Connections are very hard where I live and mom used to be a social butterfly. During the pandemic it was great living here on the farm and not being around people but as things open back up she wants to get back to church and casinos (lol) 

I appreciate this site and forum and look forward to connecting with like minded people.

star26

Hi PanamaFarmer, Welcome. 

There is another recent thread here titled "Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. Aricept)”. If you haven’t already, you might want to check that out for feedback on Donepezil and similar meds. 

I think managing your Mom's stress level is as important as your other holistic protocols since this can make her dementia symptoms and behaviors worse. It sounds like the caregiver situation is creating frustration and agitation for her. This may be why you are seeing an increase in delusions and confabulations/stories. (It’s the disease, not an act for attention.) Language may be a factor but even with an English speaking caregiver it’s important that the caregiver has skill and experience in working with people with dementia and it’s various manifestations, such as aggression. Or, that the caregiver can be taught. If you can find such a person that also speaks English, that would be ideal. My Dad couldn’t hear what his caregivers said half the time, but they still worked well together. 

I cared for my Dad on the beach, in a tropical environment, with fresh air, tropical fruit, and a simple life. It was holistic living galore. I could not have done it without experienced caregivers, a geriatric psychiatrist and PCP that specialized in dementia, home health care, a respite facility, and a number of community services. My resources were definitely limited, but nothing like your situation. I was on my own, I’m not sure if you are as well. Like your Mom, my Dad was in great physical health. But dementia is an unpredictable disease that can’t be stopped or cured. If you don’t have a solid education in dementia and what may be in the near or distant future for you and your Mom, now is the time to learn. And it’s always a good time to have a Plan B & C. That’s a long way of saying that your current situation may not be sustainable for the long haul.  

PanamaFarmer

Thank you star26! Your information has been very helpful and I will check out the other link. Yes, its just me and mom. I appreciate your suggestion of the Plan B & C because at times I have felt selfish thinking this is my dream farm to live in nature but she never liked the outdoors. She has adjusted to the daily sun and appreciates the colorful birds. My goal was to give it a full year with her here and see how it goes.

It is awesome that you have such a team. I hope I can find the quality help here but it is very hard. This is why I must really consider the full holistic approach but as you said managing the stress levels are very important. 

You mentioned your dad couldn't hear half the time. I was curious to know if he ever wore hearing aides and if so, didn't like to wear them or if it effected the hearing noises? I bought a high quality pair for her but she hates them. They have been adjusted several times by the ear doctor but she continues to hate them. She can hear without them but I thought it would be better for her to use them. Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Michael Ellenbogen

When it comes to hearing I have great hearing as I have been tested many times. The problem is how are brain can process the information. That’s is the issue. I am glad to see that the doctors in Panama recommend the drug. That is a good thing. I love Panama as I am going back in in 2023.

star26

Yes, my Dad had hearing aids but refused to wear them much of the time. He said it made everything too loud. I think the issue was the amplification of ambient noise. As soon as he put them in I would turn down the volume and that helped.  I agree with you that it is better if they wear them as hearing loss is not just about hearing, it can have a global effect on the person. For instance, people with hearing loss have a higher risk of falls. And I don’t think it’s good for cognition either (mine included because the constant “What?” drives me nuts!).