How Does One Live With Alzheimer’s
February 14, 2009 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
When one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, how does he/she learn to live with it? How do family members learn to cope?
My aunt was diagnosed before I became involved in her care. When I would see her, she’d mention it, but didn’t seem to let it get her down. However, I didn’t see her that often at that stage in her life. Also, not so much was known about Alzheimer’s in the 1980s, so she may not have realized what was ahead for her.
I don’t think my mom ever realized she had developed Alzheimer’s. She was more concerned about finding a cure for her sister. Mother’s only comments occasionally, when we were chatting, “Slow down, Emma. My brain doesn’t work so fast.”
How Does One Cope?
How does one learn to cope and live with Alzheimer’s if they are aware of the diagnosis?
At Everyday Health.com, you’ll find some suggestions for Learning to Live With an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis that both family caregiver and patient may like to check out.
There was a great two-part programme on in the UK by Terry Pratchett called ‘Living with Alzheimer’s’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/headroom/newsandevents/programmes/alzheimers.shtml
A lot of discussion about this as he was diagnosed last year and was travelling around looking at different ways it can be managed from the perspective of someone with that diagnosis. It was both heart-wrenching and fantastic. Also on prime time television so a lot of exposure.