Caregivers of Alzheimer's Patients
Ways Caregivers Can Support Loved Ones With Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s type dementia is one of the most debilitating mental diseases. It robs a person of his or her personality and his/her true identity.
Stages of Alzheimer's and Caregiving Support
From the very beginning stages of Alzheimer's, a person slowly looses his or her ability to perform basic functions like holding a fork or getting dressed and then slowly other things like memories fade away. But due to a lot of public awareness and role models, more caregivers feel more comfortable seeking resources and support so that they are beter able to support and comfort their loved ones.
Types of Caregiving Activities
In addition to identifying key resources such as medical, support/social services, and governmental programs, caregivers can offer their support in other more creative and personal outlets. Types of support caregivers can offer include:
- playing a parent's favorite music or telling about a significant memory
- using different kinds of funny humor with Alzheimer's patients to help reconnect them to that pleasurable sensation or trigger off an emotional reaction
Humor and Alzheimer's
Ever since Ronald Regan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, people became more aware of the importance of seeking out resources to get help while caring for someone with Alzheimer's. Humor can often play a big role in care.
While people were initially amused that a former US president wanted to play "horsie" with his medical attendants, caregivers seriously considered humor as therapy for their loved ones as well as for their own stresses. People have joined laughter clubs for Alzheimer's in order to feel more comfortable with their own inhibitions about dealing with this difficult disease.
Important Research on Multitasking
Multi-tasking and other work related stresses have led workers to take on more tasks than they can usually handle, causing many to feel overwhelmed. Some even blame their own forgetfulness on an early stage of Alzheimer's.
While there is no conclusive medical research on multitasking, researchers have supported the fact that multi-tasking adversely affects the brain's ability to process information as it works against the brain's natural ability to learn [Russell Poldrack, Science Daily, 2006]. For caregivers, this implies strengthening an Alzheimer's patient ability to process information, preferably as early on in the stages of Alzheimer's as possible.
Alzheimer's Association Provides More Support
So long as there is no Alzheimer's cure, caregivers need to find a way to release the stress of caregiving. Check out the Alzheimers Association regional chapters near you.
Often what happens when caregivers share their stories, they learn from others about other ways to help strengthen their loved ones' memories. It is no secret that by providing stimulating and nurturing activities for an Alzheimer's patient, one can actually see the love and build a connection, which is so vital and critical as the loved one progresses from one stage to another.
The initial hardship for a caregiver is coming to terms knowing that Alzheimer’s is a progressively degenerating disease. However, there are many caregiving activities and support groups for dealing with Alzheimer's all around the world.
