Monday, March 19, 2012

keep squatting....and eating coconut oil

I spent the weekend visiting my parents.  My Dad has dementia and is currently in a hospital ward.  His mental state oscillates, but when he is well he is still funny, loving, caring and sharp.  It is just the dislocation from reality that is difficult to witness.

Anyway, I was struck again by how basic and essential it is to be able to stand up from a chair.  There is balance involved, but so much more is the need for basic strength in the hip extensors, back and thighs.  Occupational therapy is fine, but it would be fantastic if we could get them on a leg press a couple of times a week.

I have got my Mum to start giving him coconut oil each day now, especially after listening to this podcast.  Podcast #13: How To Upgrade Your Brain with Coconut Oil & Ketones

11 comments:

Nigel Kinbrum said...

Chuck in some BCAAs for extra ketones (& muscles).

Chuck in some fish oil. Mum's only been on 10ml of Seven Seas High Strength oil for 4 days but yesterday, she was in fine form and she amazed the nurse on duty with the things she was saying.

Of course, it may have just been one of her "good" days, but she was better than I've seen her in a long time.

Brian said...

Chris and Nigel,

I hope your parents experience improvement.

Anonymous said...

Check out some other stories regarding dementia/Azlheimer's and coconut oil here: http://healthimpactnews.com/2012/coconut-oil-reverses-the-effects-of-alzheimers-in-50-year-old-woman/

http://healthimpactnews.com/2012/man-in-his-80s-with-severe-dementia-returning-to-old-self-after-starting-coconut-oil/

Chris said...

Thanks Brian

Chris said...

Nigel

I'll try that if I can - but it took me a while to get mum to try him on coconut oil

js290 said...

http://www.carbohydratescankill.com/3588/86-dr-mary-newport-on-alzheimers-disease

stretch marks cream said...

I was struck again by how basic and essential it is to be able to stand up from a chair. There is balance involved, but so much more is the need for basic strength in the hip extensors, back and thighs

hayduke said...

Sorry about your Dad, my Mom in the same boat. We moved her to a nursing facility almost 6 months ago and she seems to be enjoying it so far. All of the nurses and aids and other patients to talk to has really improved her spirits.
Earlier in her illness, I made a point of giving her coconut oil and d3 drops twice a day, and it really seemed to help for a while, especially with the fear and confusion. As she's advanced though, it has been more difficult to perceive a benefit. Mom's been really funny lately, and it's a joy to visit her.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear about your Dad. People with signs of dementia should be checked for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), which presents as dementia along with some other symptoms such as a shuffling walk and urinary incontinence. It can be treated. In the past, it used to be that many people with dementia were not getting the correct diagnosis, but it seems that most doctors now are checking for it. Anyway, it's not a well-known condition and just wanted to let people know about it. Best wishes.

Zach man said...

Remain positive Chris! Natural remedies can be remarkable. I agree though, keep squatting and exercising those legs. I am sure you are aware of the tremendous benefits of a solid leg routine!! Take care!!

Gin said...

I hope your dad would have been improve.