When the physician spoke the words to my Mom, "You have Alzheimer's Disease,” all three of us­ -- me, Mom and Dad -- felt frozen with shock and fear. The big question was, "What do we do now?" As of today, there is no cure for this devastating disease that affects the whole family and not just the person diagnosed. There are several medications on the market to help slow the progression of the disease process.

For the Caregiver, the diagnosis of a loved one with Alzheimer's, is the life-changing event that will define the time left with that person. Speaking as a daughter whose Mom had Alzheimer's for 8 years (the symptoms really started long before that) I grieved every day while still celebrating every "good" day she had.

For most, there is the grief of diagnosis and then the grief for future hopes and dreams. There are daily "little deaths" that occur as the disease takes more and more of the person's personality and dignity. Nancy Reagan said it was a death by a thousand subtractions.
It is important to note that Alzheimer's in NOT a mental illness. There is nothing to be ashamed of and in healthy families, there are no secrets and the disease is talked about openly. It is a disease of the brain with plague and tangles that make it harder and harder for a person to function as they once did.

What can Caregivers do to help themselves and their loved one? There are studies to suggest that physical exercise, healthy low fat diet, and maintaining a healthy body weight, healthy blood pressure and lowering cholesterol are all positive pro-active steps that someone with Alzheimer's and their Caregivers can do.

For the Caregiver, there are several stress relievers such as meditation, yoga, tai chi and just taking some time away from your loved one that are beneficial to overall mental health and happiness. Accept that you cannot do this all by yourself. You need others to help share the burden. There may be other family members or dear friends who are able to help and give respite care. Seek out a support group of other Caregivers to lessen the sense of isolation and to help understand the disease. I learned about shadowing, sundowning, visual changes, fear of water/baths, and other very useful information during the support groups.

You will make it through this journey and there are others who can help. Reach out today!

:

You can contact Becky Watkins at the following e-mail address: becky.watkins@christushealth.org