A friend of mine was recently sharing the time-tested Greek formula for a 3-act play: the first act involves the hero encountering a problem and cries out for a solution. In the second act, there is action and dialogue between the actors with subplots and intrigue building and sometimes a bit of humor to relieve the tension felt by the main character. I think the third act is the most interesting: The hero or heroine discovers that all of their efforts to resolve the problem cannot manifest until they acknowledge a personal flaw and go through a type of transformation. As they struggle to reach their goal, they put the problems into perspective and view it through a different lens; hence discovering what they’ve known all along.
Let’s see how this formula applies to prevention and reversal of Alzheimer’s.
The First Act
In the first act, starting some 80 or 90 years ago, Alzheimer’s was first discovered. At the time not much was understood about this puzzling disease, but as time progressed through the late 20th century, there was an outcry for solutions. What is the cause of this disease? Can it be cured? Why does it happen to some people and not others? Why is the degree of cases growing?
The Second Act
In the second act, from the 1980’s to the present, discussion, intrigue and unfortunately tragedy took place. The actors in this play include loved ones that are affected, the medical and research community and the senior care system. The subplots also feature the struggles experienced in the pharmaceutical and food industry.
In searching for a solution, the official pronouncement is that there is no cure. There is an urge to develop new and promising drug treatments along with support networks to help those who experienced a loss in their family and preserve memories that bind them together. The senior care system rushed to fill the growing demand for more skilled specialists in nursing and memory care.
However, let’s not forget the subplot! In the background, others are finding some of the missing pieces that may have been overlooked. Such things as:
- The connection between inflammation in the body and the brain.
- The fact that 40% of all Alzheimer’s patients have diabetes.
- The connection between sugars and grains that degrade mental functioning.
- The fact that in many cases, there were diseases of inflammation in the body prior to becoming diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
- That the flow of cerebral spinal fluid is significantly less in Alzheimer’s patients.
- And oh yes, because respiratory and cardiac failure is usually a contributing factor in Alzheimer’s patient fatalities, it is really the 3rd leading cause of death in the US. Not the 6th.
The Third Act
Now we begin the 3rd act which is the present. What would cause the hero or heroine to change their point of view to find a solution? Let’s look at the hero’s and heroines in this act:
#1
First, there are the patients themselves. What if they knew that in 50% of cases, changing their diet 20 or 30 years before, they could significantly reduce their risk of developing this disease? Would they change their behavior? Would they be motivated to change their eating habits that cause inflammation and pressure on the body and brain?
#2
Secondly, there is the medical and senior care community. What if they knew that techniques like CranioSacral Therapy (CST) could help increase the flow of cerebral spinal fluid and therefore help wash away the plaques and bacteria that suffocate the brain? Would they start to integrate this into their treatment programs knowing it is safe, non-invasive, non-toxic and only takes 5-10 minutes a day?
Would they investigate the role that foods play in treatment of Alzheimer’s patients?
#3
Thirdly, we have health insurance providers such as Medicare and Medicaid. Would they consider reimbursing for prevention as well as acute care? Would they consider a change in perspective that says there may be an easy, complimentary, non-drug alternative such as CST? (note here I say complimentary, not necessary a replacement). What if they invested in preventative techniues and resources for at risk and early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s? The possibilities would be limitless if all parties took the time to do some serious self-evaluations.
My Vision
The third act is actually my vision for the future: To significantly reduce the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s worldwide in the next 5 years.
Resources to inform yourself about changing the future and the heroes and heroines in the 3rd act:
CranioSacaral Therapy go to: www.preventingalzheimers.com to find out more.
Doctors who believe that medicine is food and can heal the body. Go to https://www.functionalmedicine.org
The beneficial role of physical activity and even moderate exercise. Go to: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au and https://www.fitbit.com
This 3rd act is about to begin. Please join the show and become one of the heroes!
