Learning All You Can About Alzheimer’s

Liz recently wrote about the virtual dementia tours that enable caregivers and nursing home staff to attempt to learn what it’s like within the world of an Alzheimer’s patient.  Trying to learn all you can about Alzheimer’s is important, I feel, when you’re a caregiver, whether a professional one in a care facility or a family member.

When Mother and Auntie were traveling their Alzheimer’s journeys, I tried to read anything I could find and talk with other caregivers.  At that time resources were limited and the Internet was in its infancy.  So reading  and an occasional workshop were the main ways to gain information and insight.

I tried to understand what Mother and Auntie were encountering, how their minds processed data, where they were in their lives on a particular day, what motivated them to act and react as they did.  The staff at the nursing home seemed amazed that I asked so many questions and also found information on my own.

“Most people don’t want to know about the disease,” a nurse remarked to me.

I think that has changed somewhat now as Alzheimer’s has gained more publicity and seems more widespread.  It’s also come “out of the closet” and isn’t considered a condition that families refuse to talk about.

When you learn more what your family member is going through, it enables you to cope with the situation better and bring them comfort and even enjoyment.