Supportive Information On Coping With The Signs And Symptoms Of Alzheimer's Disease
By Tim Gorman
There's no doubt about it - if someone you love develops Alzheimer's disease, your lives will be changed forever. It's truly devastating to watch someone you love as they begin to lose their memory, and as the disease progresses, it also becomes a lot more difficult to care for that person. Let's take a look at a few basic ways in which you can cope more effectively as your loved develops Alzheimer's.
The first step is always to find out everything you can about Alzheimer's disease, so that you know what it is, and how it's likely to progress. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for all potential eventualities. It also makes it easier to understand exactly what your loved one is going through, so that you can be more supportive. Knowledge helps you to cope. If there's a support group in your area, you might want to join it, because shared experiences make it easier to cope with the situation. You may find that many of the other members can give you helpful advice and ideas about your situation, because they've already experienced similar things to what you're now going through. If you can't find a local group, try searching online, as there are support groups available on the Internet as well.
Many people with Alzheimer's fluctuate throughout the day. So try and establish a pattern of behavior - when is the condition most severe, and when is it least obvious? If you find there is a pattern, then you can plan your day to fit around that. If you have a window of opportunity to get things done, then do them, so that you can concentrate on what you need to do, rather than worrying about your loved one.
You also need to start planning. Initially it may be possible for you to care for your loved one at home, despite the Alzheimer's, but that may not always be the case. The reality is that Alzheimer's is degenerative, and over time the condition will worsen. Medication may slow the progress of the disease, but it can't stop it. Coping for someone with Alzheimer's is a huge emotional and financial burden, and it's important to make sure that you look after yourself as well. The more prepared you are for the future, the easier it will be to deal with it when it arrives. Spend some time checking with your insurance agency, medicare and any other relevant organizations so that you're aware of what financial support you have available.
If you're finding it too hard to care for your loved one on your own, then look into the option of some form of adult daycare. It's important to research any facility you're considering as thoroughly as you can, so that you're comfortable that your loved one will be well cared for there while you take a break.
Unfortunately Alzheimer's is difficult to cope with, and the task can be draining emotionally, physically and financially. The important thing is that you're not alone; many thousands of families are struggling day to day with the same issues you're facing. Find a way of balancing the needs of your loved one and your own needs, so that you don't wear yourself out in the process. Finally, make sure you spend some time remembering how much your loved one means to you, and never give up.
For more information on diagnosing Alzeimer's disease try visiting http://www.alzheimers-disease-info-guide.com where you will find helpful information, resources and advice on coping with Alzheimer's disease and the basics of Alzheimer's disease.
