You should be aware of these things if you or someone you care about has Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory loss might be frightening, but it can be overcome with patience, faith, and support. Memory loss is one of the first things that springs to mind when you think about Alzheimer’s. Health care workers, loved ones, and those who have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease should all know much more about this illness. The condition has a lot of relevant facts and myths.
It is impossible to predict how Alzheimer’s disease will progress.
People with Alzheimer’s are not unable to participate in a discussion, despite what you may think. Mary Mittelman, director of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, says that in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, “memory impairments make it easier to get lost or forget conversations, while personality changes or agitation may show up in the latter stages.”. Dressing and eating may become difficult for the patient at this point. In the words of Dr. Mittelman, “Alzheimer’s symptoms develop with time.”
In the early phases, life is rather normal.
Despite the fact that Eric Thompson is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Early-Stage Advisory Group, he says he leads a rather typical life. It took him four years to retire after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and he had to adjust his daily routine.. For example, he completes his daily to-do list first thing in the morning so that he doesn’t forget about them. Many people are surprised at how well Eric recalls discussions, according to Eric.
Things aren’t intentionally left out of sight.
Do not allow your irritation overcome you while you are talking to someone who has Alzheimer’s disease and may need you to repeat yourself. Instead, keep things simple when you speak to increase the likelihood that what you say will be remembered.
It’s heartbreaking when you have to tell someone that a loved one has passed away.
Saying that a loved one has died when someone with Alzheimer’s inquires about him or her would only inflict further pain. Instead, Jackie Pinkowitz, president of the Dementia Action Alliance, suggests offering to go on a stroll with the individual to locate them. Her mother and father-in-law were both suffering from Alzheimer’s, and Pinkowitz remarked, “You can’t really expect that person to come back to where you’re at.” Share the moment, but be prepared to enter their world a little bit, “advises the author.”
It’s essential to go out and meet new people.
When Alzheimer’s disease is still in its early stages and a person only has modest cognitive impairment, it is not advisable to tell them to remain at home. In fact, spending time with friends and family is a positive thing. Sadly, Pinkowitz notes, “some family members merely further handicap them rather than allowing and encouraging them to participate.”
You’d be surprised at how much they’re capable of.
People with early-stage Parkinson’s disease may still drive, which may come as a surprise to you. Alzheimer’s disease does not manifest itself in the form of becoming lost. There is an app on his phone that reminds him where he has parked.
Make sure they are a part of whatever you do.
People with Alzheimer’s disease (and their family) sometimes think that they are no longer able to engage in the activities they formerly enjoyed. In certain cases, however, these activities may still be possible for the patient, although with some modifications. People with dementia should be as much a part of the community as possible. This helps to establish a strong emotional ties between the two parties involved.
Live a life that matters.
Alzheimer’s disease may have a profound effect on daily living, making it difficult to get back on track. There is no need to forsake your loved one and allow them to spend all of their time at home alone. Early retirement was difficult for Thompson, he said. There were many days when he had no idea what to do. It has also provided him access to museums, support groups, seminars and conferences via his involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association. This gave him a new purpose, a new way to be connected, active and engaged. “I never imagined my life would be as full and satisfying as it has turned out to be.”
At any age, Alzheimer’s disease may be diagnosed.
At the time of Thompson’s diagnosis, he was 54-years-old. People are often shocked by the early diagnosis, therefore he provides them with instructional materials. The dynamics of the connection, as well as the content of the talk, are affected. “They had no clue that Alzheimer’s might afflict people in their early 50s,” he says. The earlier an illness can be identified, the better. If you suspect that you’re suffering from memory loss, visit a doctor. It may or may not be a sign of advancing years.”
Restaurants with a lot of noise might be a pain.
The commotion of a crowded restaurant might make it much more difficult for someone with untreated hearing loss to follow a conversation. It might be difficult to concentrate in a noisy environment, such as a restaurant. In Dr. Mittelman’s words, “the overstimulation of noise makes it less difficult for them to grasp the discourse around them.” Instead of a noisy restaurant, choose a quiet café where someone with Alzheimer’s might feel more at ease and engaged.
