I have no tip for preventing or curing this awful disease, but I have a dear friend who works at a care facility for advanced Alzheimer and brain damaged adults. Her main suggestion is to never, ever argue with them. Instead redirect, refocus, or just go along with them with delay tactics or, if necessary, lie.
Correcting and arguing with them only leads to an emotional situation which serves no purpose. Instead say something like, "I'm busy right now. Let's go see Bob later today." or "I really like your shirt. Can we find a jacket (tie, sweater, etc.) that will go with it?" or "After lunch we'll look for the tools you are missing. I'll help you find them, but not until after lunch." If they want to see their husband, wife or son who is dead and then you insist that they really understand that that person is no longer living, you will only causes anguish, grief and unnecessary pain.
The point being that delay and refocus allows their attention to be drawn elsewhere and there is no friction.
They seem to thrive on useful and repetitive activities such as sorting beads or zipping and unzipping something; some also enjoy tactical experiences such as touching soft, furry item alongside something rougher like sandpaper.
Just some thoughts and suggestions. Blessings to all who are dealing with this with a loved one.
By Elaina Monteiro from Kingman, AZ
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My mom is an Alzheimers' resident in an Alzheimers wing in an assisted living facility. I attend support group meetings and it is always stressed not to argue but to tactfully agree with what they say and to answer accordingly. Today I was visiting my mom and she asked how far does Mama (her mom who died in 1968, my mom is 93) live from here? I told her about 50 miles one way. She asked if I knew if she was okay or ill and I said I wasn't sure but would call and find out. She nodded, said okay and promptly forgot about it.
Being defensive does not work, they can pick up on every move, tone of voice and even a look (when you think they are not looking at you). While I hate to lie, I found by answering this way, it helps my mom.
If they are able to, have them do easy projects. The laundry is done where my mom lives by the staff and sometimes when I see it dried and ready to be brought to her room, I take it and we go to her room and I have her fold towels, hang pants and sweaters on the hangers. I know her capabilities and usually she can do it without a problem. If it gets too frustrating, I tactfully take it away, telling her not to worry, we all have days when things just don't go the way we want to.
It is very difficult but after a while, you learn how to react and what to say. And the more you learn, the better it is.
LI Roe
Coconut oil has been known to improve some patients & slow the progression.
www.cbn.com/
ALZ is know as Diabetes of the Brain.
The science behind the use of coconut oil is basically how the brain processes sugars, because the brain only functions on sugar & the normal transfers diminish with an ALz. brain on regular sugars.
Sure worth taking a look at the video on Christian News website.
There are many other health benefits in eating coconut oil too, so worth a look no matter who you are.
God Bless all those dealing with it & their families.
My mom is gone now. On my own, I decided not to upset her when she wanted to visit a deceased person. I would simply say OK let's get ready and by the time we were out of the driveway she had forgotten. Instead I would drive and she would ask hopefully "are you stopping to get us a shake?" so we would stop. Much easier than getting her upset.
I suffered a permanent brain injury in 2003 and was on the brain injury floor of a local hospital for quite some time. Fortunatly I can function better than the "average bear" and am aware of my situation. I am on disability because of it as my former employer got rid of me after I returned to my job.
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