Alzheimer’s: Repairing the Brain – The CTA*

     As previously mentioned, Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease that destroys brain cells, which disrupts the brain’s ability to communicate with itself. This in turn disrupts the ability to recall memory (creates amnesias), which in turn hinders the ability to think. The Consultation Technique Activity (CTA) is a verbal activity that enables the brain to establish new communication patterns around the damaged areas, which re-establishes the ability to recall memory, as well as the ability to think.

The CTA applies the knowledge that the brain is 1) a learning machine, 2) that it is malleable, or that it can learn to work, or operate, in different ways, and 3), that the brain adheres to the concept of neuroplasticity; that it can be stimulated to develop new brain cells, or simply elevate targeted brain activity. Which follows the same concept… that exercise strengthens and enlarges muscles.

Through systematic verbal probing, targeting, adjusting and re-probing, the CTA guides the thinking process around the damaged areas, then over time and routine, the brain learns to use the new pathways on its own. Additionally, once the new patterns become routine, the brain’s normal maintenance system removes the damage material as ‘waste.’

The approach and application of the CTA is easily understood when compared with how a broken bone is treated. Normally, a broken bone is first ‘set’, or realigned correctly, then ‘stabilized’, such as with a cast. Similarly, the locating of new cognitive patterns is like ‘realigning’ the broken bone, and the routine use is like the ‘stabilizing’ of the break.

Additionally, just as muscles strengthen and grow appropriately in response to exercise, and not haphazardly, the development of new brain cells follows the brain’s original design. In other words, the new growth replaces that which was lost, appropriately… and not haphazardly.

Additionally, because Sundowner’s Syndrome is basically a branch of Alzheimer’s, it becomes repaired at the same time.

Importantly: It is not the believed level of brain damage that determines how effective the CTA will be, but the remaining ability to focus and to participate within a conversation. In other words, while individuals suffering with up to moderate staged Alzheimer’s will have little to no short-term memory, nonetheless, they may retain sufficient focus and communication skills to enable their conditions to repair appropriately.

Note: The CTA is only an activity and does not involve medications. For further information, call 520-870-5460.

* For early to moderate stage Alzheimer’s conditions.

* Information contained is derived by way of research, in association with Assisted ElderCare Placements; P.O. Box 31171, Tucson, AZ. 520-870-5460; www.aecplacements.com