Helping friends and family understand
When someone close to you receives the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, deciding when and how to tell your loved ones can be challenging.
You may feel uncertain about how others may respond, or if the way they treat your loved on will change. It is perfectly okay to take your time, and share the news only when you feel emotionally ready.
Sharing the diagnosis
Sharing the diagnosis can be challenging. There are many ways that you can proceed, but doing what feels best for you in the most important. Understand that family and friends may already sense that something is going on, even before you explain.
Remember to be open and honest about Alzheimer's disease. Explain that it is a brain disease, and it can effect more than just memory. It can impact behavior, daily functioning and communication.
Suggesting specific ways that friends and family can support you is also a helpful route to take. Visiting, bringing meals or helping with home safety adjustments are ways that family and friends can show their support to both you and your loved one. Let them know that taking breaks is important for your well being.
Enjoy the moment together
When family and friends come to visit, express to them how much your loved one can understand. Offering ways to make conversation easier, such as urging the visitor not to argue or correct the person with Alzheimer's if they forget something or make a mistake, is important.
Remind visitors to have patience and suggest social activities that everyone can participate in. Often, friends and family new to seeing a loved one with dementia can withdraw, unsure what to say or do. Finding an activity can help both parties. Try activities like:
- Listening and singing along to music from the person's formative years. Add in dancing, when possible, to stimulate movement and joy.
- Looking through an old photo album
- Cooking or baking a meal or snack together.
- Physical activity like going for a walk, gardening, tai chi or playing with a pet.
- Visiting with children
- Create artwork
Often friends or family try to recreate moments from the past with a loved one. Remind them what's more important - finding activities that bring joy to a person with dementia in the moment.
Helping children understand
Explaining Alzheimer's disease to children can be difficult, but answer their questions openly and honestly. Keep the answers simple.
Explain to them that their feelings are valid, and it is okay to feel sad. Help them understand that no one caused the disease.
Children may feel confused, but explaining in simple terms will help them understand. You might say, "Grandma's brain is working a little differently right now. It is not because she is upset with us, it is just part of her illness".