With younger family members footing the bill, the cost of a good residential home is out of reach for many, causing some families to consider options outside of their own national borders. The 16×9 News Online documentary special, “Dementia: The Unspooling Mind,” explores innovative models of dementia care in Thailand and the Netherlands — unique residential complexes designed to keep this vulnerable population safe, happy and well-cared for.
More than 80 percent of current care home residents have significant memory problems or full dementia.2 More than 15 million Americans also provide unpaid care for family members with dementia, and 35 percent of caregivers say their personal health has declined as a result of the strain, compared to 19 percent of those who care for elderly without dementia.
Like autism among children, Alzheimer’s among seniors has reached epidemic proportions, with no slowdown in sight. On the contrary, evidence suggests the trend is worsening. At present, Alzheimer’s affects about 5.4 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.1 The World Health Organization predicts that by 2050, 1 in 6 adults will be living with dementia, which means elderly dementia care facilities will soon be in critical demand.
Guess what amyloid does beautifully? It binds toxins like metals, mercury and copper. It’s very clear you’re making [amyloid] to protect yourself. It’s all well and good if you want to remove it, but make sure to remove the inducer of it before you remove it. Otherwise, you’re putting yourself at risk.”
“If you’ve got inflammation going on, you are making amyloid because … it is a very effective endogenous antimicrobial. [I]n that case, it’s not really a disease … [It’s] a falling apart of the system. You’re making amyloid because you’re fighting microbes, because you’re … inflamed, because you are decreased in your trophic support (insulin resistance, and so on) or because [you’re toxic].
