Understanding Changes that Alzheimer's Disease may Bring
Alzheimer's disease progresses in stages. Each stage may bring about changes in some aspects of daily life. But if the person with Alzheimer's disease and the care partner work together, it is possible to deal with these changes successfully.
Here are some areas of life that may change:
- Day-to-Day Activities
- Ability to Communicate
- Decision-Making for the Future
- Relationships and Roles
- Behaviour
Changes in Day-to-Day Activities
It is important to stay involved in meaningful activity every
day. That means not only must-do tasks like folding laundry and
doing yard work, but also leisure pursuits like visiting with
friends and listening to music. Developing a daily routine that
includes satisfying, meaningful activities is a very important part
of staying connected for people with Alzheimer's disease and their
care partners. People with Alzheimer's disease will find that they
are able to do some of their favourite activities just as they
always have. Other activities may have to be changed slightly. For
example, for the person with Alzheimer's disease, changing abilities
may mean making activities less complex so that they can still be
enjoyed. For the care partner, changing responsibilities may make it
harder to find time for your own interests. But by focusing on
things that are enjoyable to both of you, you can find ways to stay
connected.
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Changes in Ability to Communicate
Communication is vital to our ability to stay connected with
others in our lives. Alzheimer's disease does not change the need or
desire to communicate. However, it can affect the ways in which we
communicate.
People with Alzheimer's disease may find it hard at times to
express their thoughts or feelings in words. They may also have
difficulty understanding the written or spoken word. These changes
can lead to frustration and loneliness at times for both the person
with Alzheimer's disease and the care partner. But it does not have
to be that way. There are many steps we can take to change the way
we communicate so that we can still get our message across. It is
possible to communicate without using words. In fact, experts say
that people communicate more frequently, and often more
meaningfully, with nonverbal communication. A nod, a smile, a wink,
or a hug can speak volumes — and help us stay connected.
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Changes in Decision-Making for the Future
Alzheimer's disease makes it necessary to consider a number of
difficult questions about the future. Questions like, Who do I want
to make legal and financial decisions for me if I become unable to
make them for myself? Who do I want to make choices for me about my
health care? If I need more help, how do I want it to be provided?
And how will it be paid for? These decisions are important for
everyone to make, not just people with Alzheimer's disease and their
care partners. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease only serves to
highlight the importance of making these decisions sooner rather
than later. Making them together can bring both of you peace of
mind.
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Changes in Relationships and Roles
Alzheimer's disease can cause certain relationships and roles in
your life to change. For example, as Alzheimer's disease progresses,
the care partner may find him- or herself needing to take more of a
leadership role than he or she might have been used to. And the
person with Alzheimer's disease may have to accept help and
assistance, perhaps for the first time. Adjusting to these changes
can be hard. Alzheimer's disease generally progresses slowly, so it
is usually possible to make the changes little by little.
Flexibility is necessary, but that is the case for all successful
relationships. If you can remain flexible and keep your partnership
in mind, it is likely that you will find new opportunities for
shared meaning and closeness.
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Behaviour Changes
Unusual behaviours may be part of Alzheimer's disease for some
people. Mood swings, angry outbursts, restlessness, anxiety, and
depression are some of the behaviours that can occur. Some people
never develop these symptoms. But when they do occur, they can be
upsetting for both the person with Alzheimer's disease and the care
partner. Like every other aspect of the disease, though, this one
can be managed if both of you work together.
People with Alzheimer's disease do not behave unusually on
purpose, and the unusual behaviours are not their fault. Sometimes
the behaviours are part of the disease, and medicine can help. But
unusual behaviours may also be a way of expressing an emotional
need. If we look closely at these behaviours, we can often find in
them an effort to maintain an important role or to find security,
affection, or control. The changes may also signal a physical need,
such as easing pain, hunger, thirst, or the need to use the
bathroom. Working together to figure out the underlying need and
meet it often takes care of challenging behaviours. And the effort
of working together can strengthen your connection.
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