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Alzheimer’s Awareness

By: Claire Butcher

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Understanding this disease and the impact it has on those affected, caregivers, friends, and family becomes increasingly vital. This article explores the importance of Alzheimer’s awareness and offers tips to maintain our well-being while providing care and navigating relationships involving Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Awareness and Burnout Warning Signs:

One of the first ways we can support ourselves, whether we are a family member, friend, or caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s, is to know the early signs of both Alzheimer’s and caregiver burnout. 

Early signs of Alzheimer’s can include the following:

  • Memory loss
  • Challenges with problem solving and planning
  • Difficulty completing tasks
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Difficulty understanding images and spatial relationships
  • Difficulty with words (speaking or writing)
  • Misplacing things, difficulty re-tracing steps
  • Decreased or poor judgment
  • Withdrawing from social or work activities
  • Changes in mood or personality

Caregiver Burnout can look similar to signs of stress and depression, including the following:

  • Emotional and physical exhaustion
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed
  • Feelings hopeless or helpless
  • Changes in appetite and/or weight
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Getting sick more often
  • Irritability, frustration, or anger

How to Support Yourself:

Whether you’re a family member, friend, or caregiver to someone who has Alzheimer’s, here are some tips to avoid burnout and maintain your well-being:

  • Find help through support groups and your loved ones 
  • Use relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing exercises, visualization)
  • Physical activity
  • Preventative care (seeing doctors regularly, focus on nutrition, sleep hygiene)
  • Maintain your sense of humor
  • Make financial and legal plans

How to Support Others:

If you know friends, family or other loved ones who have someone in their life who experiences Alzheimer’s, here are some ways you can best support them:

  • Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease
  • Stay in touch – cards, calls, and visits can show you care
  • Be patient – adjusting to new diagnoses can be very difficult and differ in reactions from person-to-person
  • Offer a shoulder to lean on 
  • Engage with the person with dementia in conversation 
  • Offer your friend/family with to-do lists (prepare a meal, run an errand, provide car rides)
  • Engage loved ones in activities
  • Offer loved ones a reprieve – spend time with the person living with dementia so family members/friends/caretakers can go out alone or practice self-care
  • Be flexible 
  • Support Alzheimer’s research 

Helpful Resources: 

Websites: 

Books & Podcasts:

Hotlines:

References:

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