(Listen to Full Episode Here.)

 

Alzheimer’s Disease: From Fear to Hope

In this episode of the Essential Oil Revolution, we touch upon a very important topic that is on everyone’s mind, Alzheimer’s Disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association:

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.

The greatest known risk factor is aging, but there are multiple, interwoven factors that can lead to Alzheimer’s. There is currently no conventional cure.

The good news is that other options are available. Integrative and functional medicine approaches, such as Dale Bredesen’s program, continue to provide evidence that personalized, holistic treatments for Alzheimer’s work. This has resulted in protocols for effective preventive support and case reports of reversal of the diagnosis. However, this kind of treatment is not readily available and is not as efficient when Alzheimer’s disease has progressed past a certain point.

As a result, many are still lost in the system, with suboptimal care, and little hope. The loved ones of those with dementia also suffer. They watch helplessly as the person they care about remains in physical form but becomes unrecognizable in personality and deteriorates in their cognitive and physical functions.

However, this doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, Debrah Nadler is making sure of that.

 

The Alzheimer’s Trifecta- Music and Memory, HEARTs Process, and Aromatherapy

I was privileged to have Debrah Nadler, BS, MBA, CCA, RA™ join us for the show. She is an internationally esteemed certified and registered aromatherapist, Alzheimer’s disease educator, compassionate patient and caregiver advocate, lecturer, and certified HEARTS Process© practitioner. Debrah is the go-to, leading authority and specialist in aromatherapy and alternative mind-body support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Debrah is also the owner and founder of Trifecta Care by Alzheimer’s Support, LLC, A Certified Company of the world-renowned Music & Memory® Program and HEARTS Process©. Trifecta Care offers a unique synergy of Debrah’s non-invasive methods that incorporates music, relaxation, and aromatherapy to help reawaken and reconnect people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Debrah has taught vast amounts of families, clients, and professionals and has appeared on various podcasts and media sources. Her authentic desire, drive, and holistic approach to advocacy is shifting the way we think about living with Alzheimer’s and chronic diagnoses.

During the interview, Debrah shares with us how her passion to help others resulted in the creation of Trifecta Care. She additionally describes how her distinct blend of mind-body therapies helps to reduce anxiety, stress, and pain for individuals and their loved ones who are seeking support when the world seems dark and frightening. Being a highly respected certified and registered aromatherapist, Debrah also highlights how essential oils can enhance all forms of treatment for those who suffer from this diagnosis and their families.

Below is an overview of what was discussed during the interview. If you have someone you know who has Alzheimer’s, or want to support your own brain, you will want to listen to the whole episode.

What You Will Learn:

  • An introduction to Debrah’s background and Trifecta care (0 min)
  • Some facts on Alzheimer’s disease (1.50 min)
  • Debrah’s bio (2.30 min)
  • How Debrah got started with aromatherapy and how her mother’s diagnosis changed her career path: (5 min)
    • Debrah always loved plants, her father did tree work and her mother was a gardener. As a child, she instantly fell in love with being in nature and the beauty of Vermont landscapes.
    • Debrah first got her degree in accounting, but always believed in natural healing. When her mother got Alzheimer’s, she wanted to find ways to help others who experienced the same trials and tribulations.
  • How Debrah found the three specific modalities she uses to assist and holistically care for those with Alzheimer’s disease: (8.30 min)
    • Debrah first found aromatherapy, which is a wonderful complement to all wellness issues. From there she continued to study and find additional modalities to support people with Alzheimer’s and their families.
    • Henry’s Story inspired Debrah to pursue certification in the Music and Memory program.
    • Debrah next discovered the HEARTs Process.
  • What other relaxation techniques Debrah incorporates with the HEARTs Process and aromatherapy to help those with Alzheimer’s and their families: (12.30 min)
    • Muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and reminiscent therapy
  • The customized, hand-made sensory tools that Debrah offers as part of her program: (13 min)
    • Debrah crafts hand-made, custom sensory mats and muffs.
    • These offer sensory stimulation and provide sufferers with something they own at a time when many have left their homes and lost most of their possessions.
  • The importance of aromatherapy for helping those with Alzheimer’s and the cautions to consider in this patient population (15.30 min)
  • Which form (chemotype) of rosemary oil would not be good for someone who is on medications and has a history of seizures: (16.20 min)
    • One should use Rosemary CT 1,8-cineole, not CT camphor.
  • Why being aware of the stages of Alzheimer’s is important to know for appropriate care (18 min)
  • The current number of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease: (18.30 min)
    • Almost 7 million.
  • How music impacts the brain and the research on the Music and Memory program: (18.30 min)
    • Where music resides in the brain is “the last place to go.”
    • Music supports functional connectivity in the brain, modulates brain activity, calms the amygdala, and affects neurotransmitters.
    • There is research on various ways the Music and Memory program can calm agitation, help mood, assist with swallowing, lessen behavioral issues, and decrease medications in Alzheimer’s patients.
  • How Debrah’s relaxation techniques open the door to shared memories with families, offers stimulation, are soothing, and enhance communication (25.30 min)
  • How aromatherapy can help with symptoms of sundowning: (29.15 min)
    • Sundowning is related to an imbalance in the circadian rhythm.
    • Darkness triggers agitation and fear in many Alzheimer’s patients.
    • Aromatherapy can help to calm someone down and can be used for preventation during the day.
  • The oils used in a scientific study that improved symptoms of Alzheimer’s – Shared in Debrah’s DIY recipe! (31.30 min)
  • Debrah’s new project that can empower others with her methods (33.30 min)
  • What is the HEARTs Process and how it can benefit those which chronic illnesses: (35 min)
    • HEARTs is an acronym for hands on, empathy, aroma, relaxation, texture, and sound.
    • It has evidence for decreasing pain and is helpful for relaxation and calming in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
    • For late-stage Alzheimer’s, aroma, relaxation, and a little bit of touch can be beneficial.
    • These modalities may decrease medication use.
  • The wide applications of Debrah’s methods and how it can grow (38 min)
  • The promise of a brighter future for Alzheimer’s and the factors that may influence it: (42 min)
    • Various factors such as genetics, toxicity, hormones, environmental exposures, and infections are examples of what can affect brain health.
    • Socioeconomic factors, ethnicity, and keeping the mind active also influence the brain.
  • How essential oils can impact cognition in multiple ways: (45 minutes)
    • Essential oils have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, memory-enhancing, and hormonal modulating properties.
  • Blending the chemistry and art of aromatherapy via being a clinical aromatherapist: (46 min)
    • There is a difference in using essential oils for consumer uses, medicine, and as a clinical aromatherapist.
  • A heart-warming story of one of Debrah’s clients (49.30 min)
  • Debrah’s non-invasive, safe way to implement aromatherapy in the frail and elderly: (51 min)
    • Debrah uses personal inhalers and patches. She chooses the appropriate oils after a thorough heath assessment and medication review.
  • Debrah’s DIY formulations to enhance cognition in the morning and evening (55 min)
  • The priceless gift of more time and moments shared with a loved one (58 min)
  • The importance of reconnecting and how aromas may help us reunite with nature (58 min)
  • The combination of grounding and calming oils that Debrah uses for stress (1 hr. 2 min)
  • The oil that is most helpful for most people with Alzheimer’s (1 hr. 3 min)
  • What Debrah does daily for her self-care (1 hr. 5 min)

Click here to listen to the full episode and please share this widely with everyone who will benefit.

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Links to Learn More about Debbie Nadler, MBA, CCA, RA, Alzheimer’s Training & Certification and Her Offerings:

 

Essential Oil DIY, Adapted from Research, by Debbie Nadler, MBA, CCA, RA, Alzheimer’s Training & Certification:

Morning Wake-up Blend:

  • Aroma Patch– one drop of Lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil and two drops of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil
  • Personal Inhaler– three drops of Lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil and six drops of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil
  • Indications: Anxiety, confusion, depression, mood enhancer, stress, day-night

Evening Sleepy Time Blend:

  • Aroma Patch– one drop of Orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil and two drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil
  • Personal Inhaler– three drops of Orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil and six drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil

 

Additional Resources From the Show:

 

Links to Learn More About My Offerings and Education on Essential Oils:

Bio of Debbie Nadler, BS, MBA, CCA, RA, Alzheimer’s Training & Certification

Debrah Nadler, BS, MBA, CCA, RA™ is an internationally esteemed certified and registered aromatherapist, Alzheimer’s disease educator, compassionate patient and caregiver advocate, lecturer, and certified HEARTS Process© practitioner. She earned her Aromatherapist certification from the Aromahead Institute, is a registered aromatherapist through the Aromatherapy Registration Council, and is a Level 3 member of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists (NAHA). She has received additional certifications in the Music and Memory® program and the Alzheimer’s Association Training & Certification. Debrah also holds a Master of Business in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science degree. Additionally, she is a former state and regional representative for the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA).

Debrah has become a go-to, leading authority and specialist in aromatherapy and alternative mind-body support for those affected by Alzheimer’s. She has taught vast amounts of families, clients, and professionals and has appeared on various podcasts and media sources. As a past primary care provider to her mom who suffered with Alzheimer’s disease and chronic kidney disease, Debrah knows first-hand how chronic conditions affect not just the patient, but also the caregivers and family members. Fueled by her love of learning and her passionate desire to help those who similarly struggled, Debrah received her multiple trainings and certifications, and her company, Trifecta Care, was born.

Trifecta Care by Alzheimer’s Support, LLC (formally known as Aroma Wellness Therapy, LLC) is a certified company of the world-renowned Music & Memory® Program and HEARTS Process©. It offers a unique synergy of Debrah’s non-invasive methods that incorporates music, relaxation, and aromatherapy to help reawaken and reconnect people living with Alzheimer’s and their families. Trifecta Care is founded on the mission to reduce anxiety, stress, and pain for individuals and their loved ones. It is a well-known nurturing haven for those with end-of-life conditions and chronic diseases.

As a result of her dedication, Debrah has assisted countless patients and their families to live more comfortably, achieve more quality time together, lessen guilt and loneliness, and make new happy memories. She continues to zealously seek to empower people with solutions to assist them on their medical journey and offers hope and happiness when the world seems dark and frightening. Her authentic desire, drive, and holistic approach to advocacy is shifting the way we think about living with Alzheimer’s and chronic diagnoses. You can find Debrah at https://alzheimerssupport4u.com/.

 

Additional References

  • https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
  • https://www.alzheimersprevention.info/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8594968/
  • https://www.apollohealthco.com/dr-bredesen/
  • https://foodforthebrain.org/
  • https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/nutrition-cognitive-health/

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Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)

This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

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