We shouldn’t be shaming those with Alzheimer’s, but bringing awareness to the disease. The campaign for World Alzheimer’s Month in 2018 was ‘Every 3 Seconds’, highlighting to a global audience the importance of recognizing dementia as a disease and challenging the stigma that surrounds it.
Learn the ways to reduce the stigma around Alzheimer’s Disease.
Ways to Rethink Alzheimer’s
High numbers of seniors are now living with Alzheimer’s, at a rate of 5 million people. Also, one in three seniors will die with Alzheimer’s and the numbers are rising. It’s important to rethink our ideas about seniors with this disease.
You can change the way you think by the way you socialize with those who have the disease, take these steps today:
Bring Awareness
There are certain celebrities bringing attention to Alzheimer’s Disease in a positive way, through comedy. Actor Seth Rogen created the Hilarity for Charity that raises money for research on Alzheimer’s disease. He has been speaking out about the funding needed for Alzheimer’s. His mother-in-law dealt with the disease and it had a major effect on their family. Rogen hopes that by raising funds for Alzheimer’s and sharing his personal story that the stigma linked with Alzheimer’s will change.
More people need to speak up about the disease because those suffering need help. It puts a major financial strain on the individual and their families. People need to know that they’re not alone and their stores need to be heard. Alzheimer’s needs to be recognized by our government and healthcare systems, so that it finally gets the attention and funding that it needs for change to occur.
Make Socializing a Priority
Socializing with those who have Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging, especially if you see your loved one acting differently. Although, we need to put this aside and do what’s best for them because socializing with Alzheimer’s can have significant benefits. Don’t underestimate the importance of socialization for Alzheimer’s. Experts encourage socialization for dementia patients for many reasons:
- It Supports Brain Health
- It Improves Focus
- It Strengthens a Sense of Time and Place
- It Generates a Stronger Sense of Inclusion
When speaking to someone with Alzheimer’s it’s beneficial to remain calm and speak slowly and clearly. It’s best to keep your wording simple and avoid loud and unexpected noises. You can show them that you’re interested by maintaining eye contact and being present. Be prepared to repeat yourself or to listen patiently as your loved one tells you the same thing repeatedly.
Put Yourself In Their Shoes
It’s common to assume that someone with Alzheimer’s is unable to to keep up with a conversation, but that’s not correct. There are different stages of Alzheimer’s with different symptoms in each stage. In the early stages memory problems can make it easy to forget conversations, while in the middle stages personality changes could occur.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s change over time, where the middle and early stages could have different completely different behavioral patterns. It’s still possible to lead a normal life, but certain tasks might need a reminder with a planner or alarm. Doing a daily checklist first thing in the morning can help those with Alzheimer’s remember their daily tasks.
Alzheimer’s Facts
Most people think that when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s that they lose all their abilities to make decisions and can no longer be independent. There is varying ranges of the diseases conditions, stages, and symptoms.
Communication and certain abilities might become more difficult than before, but remember that this does not define them. It may be an overwhelming experience to realize that they may not retain the same information they once did. The most important thing to remember is our loved ones emotional needs do not decline with their cognitive difficulties. They are simply humans, living with an illness.
Entrust of DeSoto: A Resident-centric Memory Care Community in Dallas, Texas
Entrust of DeSoto is a memory care community that puts resident well-being at the center of everything we do. We know that each person is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of services and lifestyle options to nourish the body and create community.
We understand the importance of home cooked meals and nutrition for seniors and this attitude is reflected in our dining experience. If you or a loved one live near Dallas, Texas and need assisted living, contact Entrust of DeSoto today to learn about our 24-hour care and find out how we can help.
