E-Mail & Internet Helpful for Some Alzheimer’s Victims

“The computer is a boon “ for many Alzheimer’s patients, especially those with early onset dementia and those in the earlier stages of the disease, according to an article about Alzheimer’s in U.S.News & World Report (December 11, 2006 issue).  The computer, e-mail and the online world has become a great outlet and aide for them.

*E-mail keeps them in contact with friends, family, and others with Alzheimer’s.  One person interviewed described e-mail and chat rooms to “holding hands with someone with dementia.”

*E-mail keeps an ongoing record of chats with others…something they can refer back to if they wish.  In  other words, it can become somewhat of a memory for the Alzheimer’s patient.

*E-mail and the Internet keeps Alzheimer’s victims up to date about what’s going on in the world, if they care to and can understand news articles and other items they read.

*Staying connected with the world this way helps with Alzheimer’s victims’ mental health and makes them feel less isolated.

*Some of them hold chats where others can join to discuss their thoughts and feelings.  One place where they can find a chat room is at DASN International (Dementia Advocacy and Support Network).