The Dementia Microdosing Assessment - A Mindful Approach to Dementia & Psychedelics

The Dementia Microdosing Assessment is designed specifically for people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment that is part of Alzheimer’s. It was developed in tandem with my husband, Henry, who is at a moderate level of cognitive impairment in his Alzheimer’s journey. This assessment tool should be used before the microdosing process begins, as a pre-assessment, thus serving as a baseline. Thereafter, the assessment can be taken on a weekly basis. Adjustments in dose, substance, time of ingestion, and other microdosing aspects can be made based on the information noted.

Though this assessment tool was designed to accompany The Dementia Microdosing Protocol, it can be useful for any microdosing protocol for people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. In fact, this assessment can be a useful tool for this demographic even if they are not microdosing. The assessment articulates benchmarks to support optimal conditions for a more mindful approach in an Alzheimer’s journey.

This easy-to-use assessment tool captures some of the most essential aspects of living with Alzheimer’s. More qualities can be added to individualize each person’s particular experience. Parts A and B have benchmarks at 1, 3, and 5, with 5 being the most optimal. Part A looks at aspects that are desirable, while Part B looks at qualities that are not desirable. So in Part B, while 1 is still the least optimal, the corresponding quality, such as anxiety, shows up more at 1 than at 5. Each part has a few rows in which more aspects can be noted. The last row is to note any additional helpful information.

Microdosing can bring subtle as well as observable changes. Sometimes they can be noticed the first day of microdosing, while at other times it is helpful to look back and reflect at the end of a week. The assessment has several potential beneficial uses: it can be a springboard for discussion for the person with Alzheimer’s, a tool for the caregiver to share with the microdosing coach, a helpful way of supporting a more mindful Alzheimer’s journey, among other uses.

While the qualities noted in the assessment are commonalities for someone with Alzheimer’s, they can also be looked at as mindful guideposts that navigate the journey for both the person with Alzheimer’s and caregivers toward the heart. At this point in time, Alzheimer’s is a health condition that has no cure. However, this assessment includes a more holistic understanding of heart and spirit. Mindful observation and inquiry, through the use of this assessment, invite the light of awareness to shift from head to heart.

Inevitably, no matter a person’s journey, the core of any mindful one is a continual opening of the heart—a journey, at every moment, toward greater wholeness. By articulating qualities for someone with Alzheimer’s that support optimal conditions for heart and spirit, this assessment aims to bring greater connection to the wholeness of heart. Isn’t that the greater aim?

- Lauren Alderfer, PhD.