| Ten Warning Signs of Early Alzheimer's Disease Recent memory loss that affects job skills......It's normal to forget people's names from time to time, but frequent forgetfulness is cause for concern. Difficulty performing familiar tasks......Anyone can leave a button unbuttoned. But when someone becomes persistently challenged by buttons, or other tasks of daily living that most people take for granted, it might signal Alzheimer's. Language problems......From time to time, anyone can have difficulty finding the right word. But for people with Alzheimer's, simple words present problems, and sentences can become incomprehensible. Time and place disorientation......It's normal to forget the date or a destination. But people with Alzheimer's often feel lost standing across the street from their homes. Loss of judgment......Anyone can fail to notice that an item of clothing is stained. But when someone dresses completely inappropriately -- wearing several shirts or mistaking underwear for a hat -- that's cause for concern. Problems with abstract thinking......Anyone can struggle over balancing a checkbook. People with Alzheimer's forget what numbers are for and how to use them. Misplacing things......Anyone can misplace a wallet or keys. But when someone puts a wallet in the refrigerator, or keys in the sink, that might signal Alzheimer's. Changes in mood or behavior......Changing moods are a fact of life. But people with Alzheimer's often exhibit rapid mood changes -- from calm to tears to rage -- for no apparent reason. Changes in personality......People often become more "crotchety" as they get older. But Alzheimer's often makes people paranoid, very confused, or fearful. Loss of initiative......It's normal to get bored with daily activities. But when people lose much of their get-up-and-go, that's cause for concern. |
| Images of Mother 4 Years Of Age - My Mommy can do anything; 8 Years Of Age - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot 12 Years Of Age - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything. 14 Years Of Age - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either 16 Years Of Age - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned 18 Years Of Age - That old woman? She's way out of date 25 Years Of Age - Well, she might know a little bit about it 35 Years Of Age - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion 45 Years Of Age - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it 65 Years Of Age - Wish I could talk it over with Mom Author Unknown |
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| 10 STEPS for Caregivers 10 STEPS To Being a Compassionate Caregiver For Persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Their Caregivers By: Pam Haisman, RN., M.S. 1 Although I cannot fully understand the memory loss disease process a person has, I need to remember that this person with Alzheimer's disease deserves dignity and respect. 2 I need to remember that most persons with Alzheimer's are keenly aware of this present moment. Even though they will not retain the memory of this encounter, they will retain the emotions and feelings that accompanied this moment with me. Therefore let me leave them with good feelings about our encounter. 3 I understand that caring for persons with Alzheimer's is often an overwhelming responsibility. I need to recognize when I need to ask for help-and do it. 4 I need to have a sense of humor when talking with this person, because laughter helps to put things in a more positive perspective. Laughing with a person with Alzheimer's may elicit laughter and feelings of goodness from them. 5 I need to remember that this person is not being 'difficult' or forgetful on purpose; rather that his/her memory, behavior and personality are distorted by the illness. 6 Because I understand that the person with Alzheimer's will often tell the same story or joke over and over again, I need to be sensitive to his/her memory loss, especially for the short-term memory of the event which just occurred. 7 Many persons with Alzheimer's recall the past with vivid detail. Some actually "live" in the past, believing I am someone from their past, or forgetting a loved one has died. Let me be compassionate by never arguing or trying to convince a person with Alzheimer's otherwise. 8 I need to focus on and enjoy what each individual person with Alzheimer's can do this day, rather than constantly complain about what someone cannot remember or do. 9 I can best be a compassionate friend by "joining the journey" through "validation and distraction" techniques of compassionate communication. 10 I need to be aware of resources in my community to which I may go for support, companionship and information, knowing how important these resources will be for me. |
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