Both Sides - I Tell You What the Doctors Don't About Dementia

04/20/2026

A story from our family about a prescription medication that hastened my father's death.

Please Beware.

https://bothsides.biz

04/20/2026

04/19/2026

https://www.npr.org/2026/04/19/nx-s1-5786242/profit-landlord-real-estate-investment-trust-nursing-homes-safety?fbclid=IwdGRjcARR1DpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe_j0rBe0kEquoQwMWW5-JhDJ2uOLCqm2w-Cxz0a7GdUI1dqMFO3hWmwUAfyM_aem__2Ovbnmh5AVnGzXkK73wzw

Real estate investment trusts are landlords for thousands of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. Some select the managers and keep close watch but deny blame for bad care.

04/19/2026

As I have mentioned, my parents both had dementia. So I had genetic testing done and it turns out I carry the APOE-4 gene. Believe it or not that was actually fairly good news. With both parents having it I thought I might carry two.
With one, my risk is moderately higher (about 20%) than the population without it. With 2 of these, the risk of getting dementia is pretty high. Almost certain.

I am, however. an eternal optimist, a tenacious researcher and I have the tendency to, as they say in Texas, “bird dog” something. I have bird dogged dementia for a long time.

But I am not a doctor. Everything I am about to share is anecdotal- it is my personal protocol based on heavy research and my observations (and lab test) of my own cognitive health. I’m sharing part of it here, but encourage you to do your own research and check with a medical professional before starting or mixing- even supplements. Some of what I’m about to share is also somewhat controversial.

All of this, I discovered on my own through research.

I have never had a Doctor tell me about it. (Supplements are not regulated in the same way so they can’t legally speak to their efficacy. )

My protocol:

-Ni****ne. I v**e but patches are recommended (strong protective against dementia -per studies)
-Genius mushroom supplements
-Fish oil
-choline
-bacopa
-B complex
-Rosemary

Once a week I use a mineral called Zeolite to cleanse heavy metals

I had an MRI about a year ago and was told my brain looked “beautiful”

My IQ (verified) has climbed nearly 20 pts.

Again I cannot stress enough. This is just what’s working for me personally and you should absolutely do your own research and talk to your doctor.

There’s much more to the protocol, some of it too controversial to post here.

Have hope.

Amy Massingale
Dementia Care Coach, Navigator and Advocate
Alzheimer’s Assn educator
Family Caregiver
Memory Care Professional

04/18/2026

04/17/2026

Please make sure you are visiting regularly, checking in and keeping tabs on your loved one if they are in an assisted-living, nursing home or memory care center.

If it is legal in your state, get a camera for the room if your loved one is OK with it.

Sadly, this is all too common in congregate care.

https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/04/01/assisted-living-facility-residents-camera-captured-staff-neglect/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARPIaVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe3EF1ly86HgjO_ztL9Oj9DoGot4nqZ6bFcLi5HeNaH2PrZH5LkfwudLIiZIw_aem_yqttlawxGUQkEdhtgjLVgQ

An assisted living center in Iowa recently used a video camera owned by a female resident's family to document the woman's neglect.

04/16/2026

Heads up!

This program is so under-utilized as many folks don't know about it. The article focuses on PA, but it is also referred to in many states as the PACE program (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly).

Services offered include transportation and home care - this is community coordinated care.

I encourage anyone caring for a family member in their home to look into how this could support your efforts.

https://penncapital-star.com/health-care/state-funded-senior-programs-in-pa-see-opportunity-in-federal-rural-health-dollars/?fbclid=IwY2xjawROHqRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFFcmpFYkpGRVFUcEM3YnRFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvXGpTfvTA5O8CfkRcSOj8o684aSzW59qp52G19cg7if5ef-2vAe96o9_j9O_aem_0oWZd6oCr2vSU0VBJyDmmw

Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) providers care for thousands. Stakeholders want to expand enrollment to every corner of the state.

04/16/2026

This is something that doctors don’t tell you.

I learned it through trial and error being a caregiver myself, and then when I worked in a Memory Care facility. It is a challenge to keep the elderly hydrated and especially people with dementia who forget to drink water and other fluids.

Dehydration can lead to very serious UTIs, which cause confusion and other severe problems.

Jelly drops are a fantastic way to keep a person hydrated. They are like candy. They’re sweet, which is very appealing to people with dementia who tend to crave sweets.

You can get them on Amazon.

highly recommend jelly drops

Tasty sugar-free treats which boost hydration and support health. Ideal for those with dementia and others needing to hydrate 💧

04/15/2026

When emotions run high, a few simple words can help calm the moment and keep connection. Try this short, evidence-informed script the next time you’re supporting a loved one with dementia: “I can see this is upsetting. I’m here with you. Can you tell me what’s worrying you right now?” I use this with families to reduce distress during transitions and make caregiving decisions clearer and kinder. Want more practical phrasing and tips from lived experience? Visit https://wix.to/U7SSP4H 💙🤝

04/14/2026

The Golden Rule in dementia

04/12/2026

What to do when a person with dementia says they "want to go home."

How to respond to calm them.