June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and the article below is one of several this month to educate the public about these important topics.
Alzheimer’s affects both the caregiver (i.e. the caregiver) and the patient. Managing the disease can be difficult, but there are ways to ease the burden.
Understand what’s happening: The first step in helping someone with Alzheimer’s is to understand how it changes over time, what signs to watch for, and what treatments are available. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the changes your loved one may experience.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, you may notice small changes in your loved one’s daily life. They may forget recent conversations or appointments, lose things more often, or have difficulty continuing their usual routines. They may also have difficulty with simple tasks like cooking and handling money. They may also repeat questions or stories, have trouble finding the right words, or have trouble making decisions. These changes may not seem major at first, but they worsen over time and mostly affect new memories, thoughts, and behaviors. People with Alzheimer’s may also suffer from not realizing the changes they are facing, which can lead to conflicts with their loved ones and family. It is important to recognize these signs early and seek medical attention so you know what is going on and can get help.
Good communication: Good communication is important when talking to someone with Alzheimer’s. Keep your conversations simple, clear, and positive. Be calm, maintain eye contact, and be patient. It is best not to correct or argue, as this may make the person angry.
Maintaining a routine: Maintaining a routine can help people with Alzheimer’s feel more stable. Having a daily plan for meals, activities, and rest can reduce confusion and anxiety. Doing familiar things can also help people remember things better.
Stay safe: Make sure the place your loved one lives is safe. Remove anything that could trip them, install grab bars or fences where help might be needed, and consider installing locks or alarms on doors and windows to prevent them from getting lost.
Get support: Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be mentally and physically demanding. It’s important to ask for support from others, whether that be family, friends, support groups, or professional caregivers. Don’t forget to take breaks and take care of yourself, too.
Find happy moments: Alzheimer’s is hard, but there are still happy times. Spend time doing things your loved one enjoys, like listening to music, going for walks, or reminiscing about happy memories together. Focus on making these moments special, instead of constantly thinking about the disease.
Plan ahead: As your Alzheimer’s disease worsens, it’s important to think about the future. Talk to your doctor, financial professional, and legal advisor to come up with a plan for your care, money, and other important matters.
Please know that you are not alone. Ask for help when you need it, stay informed, and cherish the moments of love and connection with your family. Together, we can face the challenges of Alzheimer’s with strength, kindness, and determination.
Robiann Broomfield is currently completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology. She has also completed a clinical internship in Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology at Baylor College of Medicine/TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital. In September, she will begin a fellowship in Neuropsychology at Harvard Medical School.
