[Lifestayle] 10 things people with Alzheimer's want you to know

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10 things people with Alzheimer's want you to know 
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Keep these things in mind if someone close to you has Alzheimer's
Memory loss can be scary, but patience, confidence, and encouragement can help someone with this disease continue to live a meaningful life. One of the first things that comes to mind when you think of Alzheimer's is memory loss. But there is much more about this condition that healthcare providers, loved ones, and people who have just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's need to know. There are a number of important facts and misconceptions about the disease.

Each stage of Alzheimer's disease is unique
You can assume that someone with Alzheimer's cannot strike up a conversation, but that is not the case. "Those in the early stages have memory problems that make it easy to miss or forget conversations, while personality changes or agitation can appear during the intermediate stages," explains Mary Mittelman, director of Alzheimer's disease. and related dementias. When the last stage arrives, the patient may have difficulty dressing or eating. "The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease change over time," says Dr. Mittelman.

Life is still pretty normal in the early stages
"I lead a largely normal life, but there are specific areas where I rely on a calendar, an alarm clock or a smartphone," said Eric Thompson, advisor to the Alzheimer's Association Early Stage Advisory Group. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's about four years ago, he had to reprogram himself again and made some changes to his routine. For example, he finishes his daily chore checklist early in the morning so he doesn't forget them. However, Eric says that people are surprised at how well he remembers the conversations.

Things are not forgotten on purpose
It may bother you to have to repeat things to someone with Alzheimer's, but don't let your impatience get the better of you. Instead, simplify the way you say things so your words are more likely to be remembered.

Reminding someone that your loved ones have died is terrible
When someone with Alzheimer's asks about a deceased loved one, don't cause unnecessary distress by saying the person has passed away. Instead, offer to take the person for a walk to find them, says Jackie Pinkowitz, president of the Dementia Action Alliance. "You can't expect that person to go back to where you are, but you can be nice and be where they are," said Pinkowitz, who cared for his mother and her father-in-law, both with dementia. "Share the moment, but be willing to delve into his world a bit."

Socializing is important
Those with Alzheimer's should not be urged to stay home, especially in the early stages, when they only have mild cognitive impairment. In fact, it is good to spend time with friends and family. "Unfortunately, some family members just make them more incapacitated rather than empowering and encouraging them to participate," says Pinkowitz.