Alzheimer’s Case with Profound Results

Alzheimer’s case with profound results

This was my first Alzheimer’s case. The patient responded to a series of intensive ten acupuncture sessions profoundly.

Some details about this case are shared below with consent from the patient and her family.

If interested, click to read about Acupuncture for Alzheimer’s Produce Results

The story started here

A dear old patient of mine was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her daughter relayed the news when I ran into her in the neighborhood. She also talked about her worries, hopelessness, and helplessness. I was reminded by my own past helpless memories with my parents’ terminal illnesses. I told her that I wanted to help.

Coincidentally I happened to learn about some Alzheimer’s cases in Taiwan responded to acupuncture treatment. I was eager to see if I could help as well. While looking for suitable patients, it proved to be difficult to convince people though. When medical doctors say no cure for Alzheimer’s, patients and their families accept fate.

The right case to work with

I believe that this elderly lady was the right case I was looking for. She hasn’t completed disappeared yet. It has been three years from the early signs of the disease to being diagnosed and to the present time. The rule of thumb is that the earlier stages the patient is at, the better chance for results.

Give me & acupuncture a try?

Even though I hadn’t had any hands-on experiences with Alzheimer’s yet, I couldn’t explain this odd yet strong confidence in my gut. Not just wishing I could help, but I knew I could help.

I proposed my treatment plan also being honest about no prior experiences. After two weeks of discussing among the family, they decided to give it a try.

The daughter said to me that she did not expect miracles. She would be happy if acupuncture could somehow slow down or stabilize the degeneration in her mother. And, if acupuncture fails, there is no lost hope anyway.

Having realistic expectations settled, I appreciated them giving me this chance. One thing I promise was that I would do all my best.

First session

It has been a couple years since the last time I saw this elder lady. My heart ached when I saw her and noticed how much she has changed. I noticed that the major part of her mind has lost behind the fog.

Although she still recognized me, she barely engaged when I greeted her and asked her questions. Or she answered but took her a long while. Her English skills receded due to the degeneration of the frontal lobe. She began to lose balance when walking due to dizziness. She appeared frail, lethargic with a very pale complexion. Hunched as if the weight of the world was on her back. Also, suffering from insomnia. Her gentle introverted personality has turned her into a recluse.

At the end of the first session, the patient asked if she could share something with me. Yes, please I said. I was curious and eager to learn any responses from her.

Then, she told me that her head felt warm during the session. She found it very soothing. I was very excited to hear that.

Second session

During the second session, my patient snoozed with needles on her.

Also, at the end of the session, the patient started talking about her late husband. She said she missed him very much. Her daughter told me that it had been a long time since her mother talked about her father. I took it as a good sign.

After the fifth session

After the fifth session, I shared my up-to-date observations with the daughter. I noticed that the patient has been more responsive and engaging with conversations. She would look at me in the eyes when we spoke. Appeared more lively and present. Also, smiled and giggled if I said something silly. When I inquired after her dizzy spells, she replied not anymore. Confirmed by her daughter that she has been walking much better without tripping over all over the place.

Interestingly, her daughter noticed that she has been voicing her negative opinions on lots of things. Apparently, my patient began her very negative attitude after her diagnosis. Then, she became quiet with the constant fast decline of her conditions. She was at the silent stage before we started acupuncture.

Definitely, another good sign! I thought that it signaled her reversing progress.

After the tenth session

After a trial of ten sessions, I noticed that my patient has significantly improved.

She sleeps better at night which was confirmed by her overnight caregiver. She retains information better which was confirmed by her daughter. One day during the session, I talked about still being sad about my beloved chihuahua passing. My patient reciprocated emotionally.

Although still opinionated negatively, it means that she engages with her environment. I find her emerging from the foggy curtain compared to the first day.

She received an orchid, a gift from me. Each time she sees the plant, hopefully, to remind her of our teamwork and these acupuncture sessions. On top of that, she is now responsible for a living plant.

Now what?

Now we take a break for a couple week. I check in with my patient and her family every few days. Learn about how she is doing and how well the results are retaining. Follow-up sessions are in order because of the progressing nature of this disease.

In conclusion

The results so far encourages my patient and her family. She could maintain her independence, identity, and freedom to live at her own place much longer.

I am hoping to help more Alzheimer’s patients and restore hope back to their loved ones if possible. Timing is crucially important for this disease. Please forward if someone you know could use my service.

Or, please feel free to contact me for a FREE consultation about acupuncture for Alzheimer’s!