🎵 “Physical” – EOA Keep Moving, Keep Fighting (Olivia Newton-John)
Updated: Jul 12
Let’s get physical…
Not in the 80’s aerobics way (although… maybe that too 😄)
But in this way:
👉 How do you keep your spouse “fresh”?
👉 How do you keep their mind engaged?
👉 Can you slow this down?
These are some of the biggest questions early on.
🧠 My Thought Process (Real Talk)
When this started, I went into full “figure it out” mode.
Here’s how my brain worked:
Alzheimer’s = beta amyloid plaques
Plaques = damage to brain
So…
👉 How do I slow that down?
👉 What supports brain health?
👉 Does diet matter?
👉 Does blood flow matter?
👉 Do supplements actually help?
So I did what a lot of us do:
👉 I read everything
👉 I tested things
👉 I adjusted constantly
His Dr always writes down what I am doing and is pleased with what I try
🧬 Quick Breakdown (Simple Terms)
🧠 What are beta amyloids?
They’re proteins that can build up in the brain and form plaques.
👉 These plaques are associated with Alzheimer’s
But here’s the important part:
👉 There is no proven way to “stop” them with supplements (YET)
What you can do:
👉 Support overall brain health
👉 Support blood flow
👉 Support inflammation control
🥗 THE FOUNDATION (This matters more than anything)
Before supplements…
👉 This is what made the biggest difference
🏃♂️ Movement (Non-Negotiable)
Biking 1–2x daily (10–20 miles – muscle memory is real)
Gym at least 1x week (goal: 2x)
Walking when possible
👉 Movement = blood flow = brain support
💧 Hydration
100 oz water daily (minimum)
Sugar-free electrolytes after activity
👉 Dehydration = confusion (huge trigger)
🥗 Diet (Mediterranean Style)
We shifted hard here:
Low sugar (except occasional treat 🍦)
Low processed foods
High protein + healthy fats
Tons of fruits + vegetables
Daily staples:
Greek yogurt (high protein no sugar)
Protein Coffee (half protein shake/half coffee)
Protein Cottage Cheese
Nuts- all mostly walnuts, pecans, and almonds (RAW)
Low glycemic bars KIND are his favorite
Fruit (bananas, berries, apples, citrus)
Fish (salmon, shrimp daily if possible) if they have high cholesterol, watch this shrimp throws up the numbers.
👉 This is one of the most research-supported approaches for brain health
💊 SUPPLEMENTS (What We Tried)
Let’s be clear:
👉 Supplements are supportive—not cures
🧠 Omega Fatty Acids
We use “Fatty15”
Noticed improved cholesterol numbers
👉 Research:Omega-3s are linked to brain health and inflammation reduction
💪 Creatine
Creatine gummies (2 daily)
He feels a difference
👉 Research: Emerging studies suggest creatine may support:
Brain energy metabolism
Cognitive function
(Not definitive—but promising)
☀️ B12 + Vitamin D
Daily use
👉 Important: Low levels can mimic cognitive decline
This is one of the first things doctors check
👁 Eye Health
Occuvite (family history of macular degeneration)
🍄 Lion’s Mane
Used in coffee previously
What we use- ZPlant
👉 Research: Early studies suggest possible support for:
Nerve growth
Cognitive function
Still early—but interesting
💉 IV Therapy (Quarterly)
Hydration
NAD
Glutathione
👉 Helps with:
Hydration
Energy
(Again—supportive, not proven treatment)
🧠 “Cognitive Blends”
You’ll see these everywhere.
Truth?
👉 Most are combinations of:
B vitamins
Omegas
Herbs
We use occasionally—but not consistently
What's you loved one doing now?
Nothing, they are Stagnant or past function
TV-Phone-Internet
Walking when they can or GYM
😅 The Unexpected One: Nicotine
This one surprised me.
He used to like occasional dip.
👉 When he had nicotine:
He seemed calmer
More relaxed
So I looked into it.
👉 There ARE clinical trials using nicotine (not smoking)
We tried:
Nicotine gum
Results:
No major cognitive change
But calming effect
👉 I even tried it—helped my racing brain
(Not recommending—just sharing honestly)
💡 What Actually Helped the MOST
Not one pill.
Not one trick.
👉 It was the combination:
Movement
Routine
Nutrition
Hydration
Engagement
Less Sugar- healthy fats
🧠 Keeping the Mind “Fresh”
Routine (huge)
Familiar environments
Repetitive physical activities
Simple tasks with purpose
👉 Muscle memory is your best friend
⚠️ What Didn’t Matter as Much
Overcomplicating supplements
Chasing every “new” product
Expecting dramatic changes
💛 Final Thought
You cannot stop this disease.
But…
👉 You can slow it down
👉 You can influence quality of life
👉 You can support the body
👉 You can create the best environment possible
🎵 Why “Physical”?
Because this fight isn’t passive.
👉 It’s daily
👉 It’s intentional
👉 It’s movement
💬 Disclaimer
I’m not a doctor, lawyer, therapist, or expert—just a wife trying to figure this out one day at a time. Everything shared here is based on our experience and things that have helped us along the way. Take what helps, leave what doesn’t, and always check with professionals when needed. I also use AI to help clean up my writing, organize thoughts, and pull together resources because honestly… caregiver brains are tired too. If something here helps another family feel less alone, then it’s worth sharing.
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