On September 21, we celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day to raise awareness of the impact of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia on loved ones afflicted and on family members and friends impacted by their diagnoses. Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia are often called a “family” disease because of the difficult impacts it can have on the afflicted person’s family members and friends. Supporting those with Alzheimer’s can also mean supporting their loved ones who help them to cope over time.
There can be many ways to promote understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease among family and friends. The first step may be to tell your loved ones, as soon as you feel comfortable doing so, after receiving a diagnosis. When you decide to have the conversation, it may be helpful to bring some articles that explain what Alzheimer’s means, and discuss the typical prognosis.
You can also encourage loved ones to go online and visit the Alzheimer’s Association website to learn more. This way, instead of having to be the scientific resource yourself, you can give them the tools to learn more and make yourself available for more practical and emotional discussions about the specific situation and changes for your family.
If your spouse or parent has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you may want to take some time to discuss future caregiving plans with extended family members who want to be included in the process. It may also be advisable to complete any estate planning needs that remain unfinished before your loved one becomes incapacitated by Alzheimer’s, so that they can take an active role in the planning.
It can be difficult for friends and family to explain Alzheimer’s when their loved one struggles in public. Sometimes, giving visitors a helpful speaking prompt and asking them to say their name and explain who they are, rather than expecting your loved one to recognize them immediately, can be helpful. Speaking to them naturally, and not treating them like a child, can help preserve their dignity. You can also explain that correcting your loved one when they make a mistake may be embarrassing to them, so letting the little things go can be the smoothest path for everyone.
If you are out in a very public setting, like the grocery store or a park, you may want to carry some literature from the Alzheimer’s Association with you. If someone asks you questions, it can be an opportunity to educate and raise awareness of the disease. You never know, the person asking you might have a loved one who was recently diagnosed. Having information on hand could help him or her on his or her own journey.
For more information about legal issues associated with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.