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Coping with Alzheimer’s: Finding Hope



 Table of Contents



What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is the most popular type of dementia, which is a general term to describe the loss of memory, behavior, and critical thinking. Having the condition may severely affect an individual's day-to-day routine, as knowing how to complete simple tasks may be forgotten.


Alzhemimer’s is a progressive condition, which means dementia symptoms tend to worsen overtime. Memory loss is the most common symptom of this condition. This is a condition that comes with age. That being said, individuals aged 65 or older are more susceptible to developing Alzheimer’s. 


It is important to recognize that individuals suffering from this condition have a difficult time recognizing their own symptoms. Family or friends have a role to play when it comes to identifying potential signs of the disease. Having an understanding of Alzheimer's Disease is crucial. Knowing your symptoms will lead to an accurate diagnosis and a successful treatment in the long-term. If you think you have Alzheimer’s, consider reaching out to a medical professional as soon as possible. 



Inspirational Stories

Living with Alzheimer’s might seem like an obstacle. However, when knowing how to approach the condition the right way, Alzheimer’s becomes manageable. The following links open up inspiring stories of individuals living with the condition and their personal battle against it. 






Management Tips

Understanding how to manage Alzheimer’s disease is key to a successful journey. There are various kinds of severties of the condition, and their treatment differs. Consider using the following effective methods to understand Alzheimer’s management and potential prevention: 


Stay organized. Writing out daily tasks, to-do lists, and appointments will help with knowing what has to be done on a daily routine. 


Make time for exercise. As commonly already known, exercise increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to your brain, which keeps your brain “healthy.” It is important to engage in exercise daily to ensure that your mind is working in your favor, especially with Alzheimer’s.


Keep up with mental stimulation. It is just as important to exercise your brain as your body. It is encouraged that those with Alzheimer’s frequently engage in activities that need “brain power.” Examples of activities that stimulate the brain include board games, puzzles, and playing an instrument. 


Be cautious with taking medication. Aim for setting alarms to prevent forgetting to take medication. Condeir asking a family member or a friend to help you with reminders on taking your prescribed medication and following up with your doctor. 


Consider alternatives for groceries and transportation. Learning how to manage daily activities that used to be easy can seem impossible with Alzheimer’s. Don’t worry, online grocery shopping and public transportation are here to help. 


References: Cleveland Clinic, NIH













Tips for Caregivers

Caregivers play a crucial role in a Alzheimer’s patient's life. They have the ability to encourage them, better their lifestyles, and effectively manage their condition. Feel free to use the following suggestions:


Stick with a routine. It is difficult for Alzheimer’s patients to get used to doing different activities constantly. Caregivers are strongly encouraged to get used to a specific schedule, and go through it every day. Examples include getting ready, eating, and showering at the same time every day. 


Make adjustments to ensure maximum comfort. Purchasing clothes that are easy to use such as ones with elastic bands and considering zippers instead of shoelaces are a great option. To benefit the individual with the condition, I will suggest looking after their medication, and being aware of the details in terms of using the prescribed medication. 


Make room for freedom. When showering or getting ready, caregivers should let most of the responsibilities be done by the patient themselves. Caregivers should look over what they are doing, but provide minimal help. 


Make good company.  It is easy to feel isolated when struggling with a condition such as kidney stones. They can be painful and can vary in difficulty to manage. This is why as a caregiver, it is recommended to help individuals with kidney stones get their mind off their pain. Be ready to start a conversation and discuss interesting topics together. 


Check-in Question Examples:

- How was your day? 

- What are you looking forward to? 

- Would you like to go for a walk with me?

- Would you like to go shopping with me?


Reference: Alzheimer's.gov 




Social Support Groups

There are several online resources to help those struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. These websites bring warmth, communication, and a sense of community. Social support groups are backed up by medical research. Reaching out is an effective part of disease management, so it is strongly encouraged! Make sure to take advantage of these resources and take the time necessary to engage with them: 


Registered social workers are here to help those in need through this website. Joining a social group is accessible through the same phone number. The phone number is 1-416-322-6560. The meeting can be online or in-person and happen every couple of days. This website is not only limited to those with Alzheimer’s, it also welcomes family or friends of individuals with the condition and healthcare workers. 


This website also offers in-person and online meetings in the form of social groups. Through these meetings, those with the condition get the chance to ask questions in order to receive the answers and the necessary support. 


Here, a free mentorship program is offered by the mentors, who are also people who have the disease. Through educational videos, support is given by explaining what life is like living with Alzheimer’s.



Resources

Websites:

This resource offers help depending on your location in Canada, and it also has a national site. There is an abundance of options in terms of learning about Alzheimer’s, helping care for those affected, and exploring the research behind the condition. 


Contact 

Phone Number: 1-416-967-5900


Books: 

This book consists of three detailed chapters of everything you have to know about Alzheimer’s. From understanding the disease to learning how to manage it, this book is a must-read to anyone who’s looking to understand Alzheimer’s in detail. 


Contact 

Phone Number: 1-855-705-4636


If you are looking for several book recommendations to help with Alzheimer’s, this resource is a place for you. There are six pages of book links you are able to access online. Make sure to check the ones that interest you! 


Contact

Phone Number: 1-800-272-3900


References

(n.d.). Dementia Mentors - Online. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.dementiamentors.org/

Alzheimer's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Stages. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9164-alzheimers-disease#management-and-treatment

"A person with dementia is still a person." Marilyn's story. (n.d.). Alzheimer Society of Canada. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://alzheimer.ca/en/whats-happening/news/person-dementia-still-person-marilyns-story

Events. (n.d.). Alzheimer's Association. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.alz.org/events/event_search?etid=2&cid=0

Green, B. B. (n.d.). Reading Material for Persons Living with Dementia. Alzheimer's Association. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.alz.org/media/documents/reading-material-for-plwd-rl-2019.pdf

A HANDBOOK FOR CARE. (n.d.). Alzheimer Society of Canada. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Handbook-for-Care-Alzheimer-Society.pdf

Hatzer, M. (2018, March 7). Mark's Alzheimer's story: 'We were living a nightmare we couldn't wake up from.' Alzheimer's Society. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/marks-alzheimers-story

Mary’s Alzheimer’s Story. (2023, May 3). YouTube. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtvXb3QBAzs

Programs and services | Alzheimer Society of Ontario. (n.d.). Alzheimer Society of Canada. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://alzheimer.ca/on/en/help-support/programs-services

Scott’s story: Living with Alzheimer’s disease. (2022, February 15). YouTube. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmMkl_Ja5nA

Support Groups – Alzheimer Society of Toronto: Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia. (2023, August 30). Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://alz.to/dementia-support-services/support-groups/

Tips for Caregivers and Families of People With Dementia. (2024, May 13). Alzheimers.gov. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers

Tips for Living Alone With Early-Stage Dementia. (2023, October 4). National Institute on Aging. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/tips-living-alone-early-stage-dementia

What is Alzheimer's Disease? (n.d.). CDC. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm

What is Alzheimer's Disease? Symptoms & Causes | alz.org. (n.d.). Alzheimer's Association. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers

 
 
 

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