World Alzheimer’s Month

World Alzheimer’s Month is an annual international event, always held in September and run by Alzheimer’s Disease International, (ADI).

Alzheimer’s disease is a physically illness which damages a person’s brain. This eventually leads to dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease affects everyone differently. However, it has some common early symptoms:

• memory problems
• thinking and reasoning difficulties
• language problems
• changes to how they see and hear things.
• changes in mood

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease progress over time as the disease is classes as a progressive disease, it is important to support people living with this disease.

Here are a few ways you can help someone living with Alzheimer’s disease during the different stages:

 

EARLY STAGE OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

• Include the person in conversations.
• Take the time to listen and provide plenty of time to to respond.
• It is best not to interrupt.
• Adding humour throughout the day helps lighten the mood.

MIDDLE STAGE

• Engage with them in a quiet space.
• Speak slow and clear so they can understand you better.
• Be patient and kind.
• Ask only one question at a time. Yes or no questions are best.
• Try not to use any accusatory language.
• Visual cues may be a good addition to words.
• Sometimes written notes are more helpful than spoken words.

LATE STAGE

• Identify yourself when approaching.
• Use nonverbal communication such as facial expressions and pointing to things in the room.
• Treat them with respect.
• Using senses to communicate with them is very helpful as well.

Sources

Alzheimer’s disease | Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimers.org.uk)