What’s it Like to Have Alzheimer’s?

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease Include Memory Loss, Confusion, Disoientation, Lack of Judgement, Difficulty With Communication

Imagine that you have traveled to a foreign country like Turkey.  You’ve gone with a tour group and an English-speaking guide.  Now, it’s late afternoon and you find yourself lost in a big city.   You are separated from your familiar tour group, you don’t speak Turkish, and you can’t find anyone who speaks English.  You are thirsty and hungry, you’re very tired, and you have to go to the bathroom.  This is what it may be like to have Alzheimer’s disease.

Confusion, disorientation, difficulty understanding what people say to you, difficulty expressing your needs, inability to recognize people, inability to initiate activity, exhaustion, fear–these are all common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

You can help your loved ones who suffer from severe memory loss by:

• Simplifying tasks;
• Being patient;
• Trying in alleviate confusion;
• Telling them who you are and where they are;
• Reassuring them;
• Recognizing that they may be fatigued by how hard they have to work at understanding their world and building in rest times;
• Asking the “yes” and “no” questions that are easy for them to answer;
• Going along with them in their view of the world;
• Never arguing with them; and
• Anticipating their comfort needs. 

When you take care of a person with memory loss, it is important that you recognize the toll it takes on you.  You will be better able to care for someone else if you practice good self care.  There is good reason for the title of one of the classic books about Alzheimer’s care; it  called, “The 36-Hour Day.”   Ask family and friends for help so you can do errands without worry and  have opportunities to do things you enjoy–lunch or breakfast with friends, an occasional movie or concert,  time for a hair appointment or a massage, social and recreational activities. 

An organization like Seniors’ Choice at Home in the Twin Cities offers care givers who can stay with your loved one to give you a break.  Check out our website at wwwmseniorschoicemn.com or call us at 763-546-1599.