The ABC’s of Talking Alzheimer’s

The ABC’s of Talking Alzheimer’s might sound like a riddle to you but to those who are dealing with the every day routine of a loved one that has Alzheimer’s, this is going to make a lot of sense.

There is a new approach out which is getting great results. I am talking about a counterintuitive approach called “habilitation.’’ OK, so it is a fancy word for joining the upside down reality of the cognitively impaired person rather than trying to force them into a world of reality that they no longer comprehend.

As Baby Boomers, Alzheimer’s is rapidly attacking our parents. Our parent, like us, are living longer and there is an up swing of this disease that causes dementia. It starts of slow and gradually takes our loved ones from us. Into a world, only they understand.

With this new study it states “why try to change the process. They will slid deeper into dementia. They run on a different set of words and time table then we do. Would it not be easier, for the Alzheimer patient and loved ones, to go with the flow?

Lets say your father called the dog a horse. As you know, the words just don’t come out right but everyone knows he is talking about the dog not a horse. So, let him call the dog a horse. He will either slip back into calling the dog a dog or the dog will remain a horse or perhaps even a duck one day.

Here is the theory. It is less stressful on the Alzheimer patient and easier on the family to accept that the dog is a horse. There is less struggle and humiliation for the Alzheimer patient and less strife for the family member.

Words are going to come out different regardless.  Time is going to be something that is different to both parties.

In the beginning, words come and go and where your Father might say I will go get my jack knife and we can go…it might mean wallet or keys or even a jacket. Your reply would be when he gets back…did you find your jack knife? He will probably tell you yes and pat his jacket or wallet or keys, what ever it was that he really went to look for.

The main thing is to keep them active, help them read or do a jig saw or crossword puzzle. Diet and exercise are very important. For years research has shown that as soon as we stop doing and being active, our minds shift down to a lower gear. That is when the trouble starts.

For those of you have loved ones that are sliding in this dementia, try and go with the flow. The days are coming where they won’t even remember you or think you are someone else. You are going to know what they are talking about. Avoided the frustration and humiliation of trying to make them use your “right’’ word.

The value of accepting their way of being, their vocabulary and their sense of time and place…rather than engaging in a constant and and in the long run losing battle to make them follow the rules of the non-Alzheimer’s world…is going to give you some added extra time to enjoy their company before they slip away entirely. In the long run you will realize which was more important. Use your time wisely.

Here Are Some Extra Tips That Might Help Alzheimer’s

• Accept their words, if you understand what they are talking about. You don’t have to constantly correct them.
• Alzheimer’s patients have a hard time with colors. So, don’t serve the same colored food together…like fish and potatoes. They won’t know which one is which.
• Speaking of food. They have a hard time with silverware. Finger food is good or meals that only need one utensil.
• It is OK to lie or streach the truth. Example: No, I can’t take you home today, I didn’t bring my car and it raining.
• Remember that the Alzheimer person can only cope with one issue at a time. Example:While it is raining why don’t we have some hot chocolate. They will forget about wanting to go home and start thinking about the rain and or the hot chocolate.
• It is not important that they be normal. Normal isn’t everything it is cracked up to be!

Remember, getting an Alzheimer’s patient to do things the way people who do not have Alzheimer’s  do them..is in most cases stressful for both the Alzheimer’s patient and the loved one and could actually do more harm than good or acheive nothing.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. You can find them at AlzheimerAssociation.com. Contact them if you need help.

When it boils down to it, does it matter that the dog is a horse? Take the horse for a walk. Learn the ABC’s of talking Alzheimer’s. See if it works better for you and your loved one. There is nothing to lose. You can only gain precious moments.

Why is that horse barking?
~The Baby Boomer Queen~

Sometimes the stress of dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimers is difficult. Try all Natural Relora it was developed as an ingredient for dietary supplements and functional foods, that could be used in stress management and for stress-related appetite control. See if it helps.