Help Yourself in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of brain disorder, usually found among old people. People suffering from Alzheimer’s gradually lose their ability to think, make decisions and perform any work normally. Alzheimer patients suffer from amnesia, aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, and other psychological and social deficits. They even lack the ability to do some of the simplest tasks like bathing, eating, reading, etc.
As a result, people with AD often feel isolated and remote that leads them to face psychological and social adjustment problems in the society.
It is estimated that after every 72 seconds, someone in America is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. There are now over 5 million Alzheimer’s patients living in the United States alone. The saddening part is that Alzheimer’s is an incurable disease as no cure has yet been found to completely treat this disease.
However, it does not mean that people suffering from Alzheimer’s cannot live a normal life. If you are suffering from Alzheimer, you can take care of yourself by adopting the following ways:
Contact Your Doctor
Alzheimer’s disease gradually results in the loss of patient’s memory. It may come as a surprise to you, but it can be one of the Alzheimer’s symptoms that you may not realize. It is, thus, important for you to consult your doctor for immediate treatment and get the necessary medication and vitamins, if the situation persists.
Also, discuss with doctor your response to any medications or side-effects and maintain a record for future references too.
Manage your Life
If you are suffering from Alzheimer’s or have recently developed it, you must know that as time passes you will not only be losing your overall memory, but also the wonderful memories of your loved ones. But don’t lose your heart. There are simple ways by which you can safeguard your memories and your future when the situation actually worsens.
First of all, make a Power of Attorney or Representation Agreement that should mention about how you wish to be cared for in future. Record your memories by means of voice recorders and/or diaries. Write advance letters to your loved ones and share your memories with them. There are many books in the market that inform you more about connecting with loved ones in Alzheimer’s. Check them out.
Know Your Contacts
Always carry the names, addresses and contact number(s) of family members with you. The best way to do this is to attach the details at the inner back of your sweaters, coats and other clothing.
Buy a bracelet that has these details on it and wear it. This is important as Alzheimer’s patients don’t remember where they are going and where to go.
Keep Track of Things
As mentioned earlier, Alzheimer’s patients cannot remember or even locate things. In order to overcome this situation, use post-it notes or labels on appliances and things with name, purpose and instructions. Use a weekly dispenser for medications. Make a day planner to write appointments and other important information and keep it some place where it is easy for you to locate and notice it.
Engage in Physical and Mental Activities
Though it is not proved yet, engaging oneself in physical and mental activities helps alleviate Alzheimer’s symptoms to some extent. Read newspapers, articles, magazines and books that interest you to keep your mind active and busy.
Join some physical sports club or walk regularly to keep yourself active, fit and your brain filled with oxygen.
Socialize
Socializing will help you stay in touch with people around you and will give you the opportunity to engage yourself in hobbies and interests that you like. Furthermore, it will give other people a chance to know you better and thus they would be able to tell you about all the wonderful things that you did with them or for them.
Although, you are going through the hardest time of your life, it sure isn’t the end. By following these simple and effective ways, you can help yourself cope with the painful and frustrating problems of Alzheimer’s. Till then, happy living! |
