New online resources support living well in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease
Individuals living in the early stage of Alzheimer’s or other dementias often feel uncertain about how to live their best life moving forward. Our new LiveWell Online Resources, designed specifically for individuals in the early stage and with input from people living with dementia, provide personal insights and strategies on how to live a quality life with the disease.
Help us plant the seeds of hope! On June 2-3, 2017, visit your local Bankers Life office or look for them in your community as they collect donations and raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. On June 9-10, 2017, join our volunteers in the Chicagoland area as they collect donations and raise awareness at their local Jewel-Osco stores, popular intersections, and local businesses. In exchange for a donation, you’ll receive packets of Forget-Me-Not flower seeds to plant in honor of a loved one and the more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. What started as a grassroots fundraiser has blossomed into a national campaign, raising more than $4.5 million for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Let’s get social! – End Alzheimer’s
Walk to End Alzheimer’s season is right around the corner! Stay connected with the latest information and updates by joining your area’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s Facebook event page. Help spread the word by sharing the page with friends, family, co-workers and Walk team members!
Confusion is common in people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s
In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, a person living with the disease may not remember familiar people, places or things. Situations involving memory loss and confusion are extremely difficult for caregivers and families, and require patience and understanding.
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In the later stages of the disease, a person with Alzheimer’s may not remember familiar people, places or things. Situations involving memory loss and confusion are extremely difficult for caregivers and families, and require much patience and understanding.
In the earlier stages, memory loss and confusion may be mild. The person with dementia may be aware of — and frustrated by — the changes taking place, such as difficulty recalling recent events, making decisions or processing what was said by others.
In the later stages, memory loss becomes far more severe. A person may not recognize family members, may forget relationships, call family members by other names, or become confused about the location of home or the passage of time. He or she may forget the purpose of common items, such as a pen or a fork. These changes are some of the most painful for caregivers and families.
Such types of behavior is sometimes incorrectly referred to as “senility” or “senile dementia,” which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.
LEARN MORE:
Stages of Alzheimer’sAge-related Memory Loss vs. Alzheimer’sDealing with Memory ChangesLate-Stage Care
The main underlying cause of memory loss and confusion is the progressive damage to brain cells caused by Alzheimer’s disease. While current medications cannot stop the damage Alzheimer’s causes to brain cells, they may help lessen symptoms for a limited time.
Certain situations — such as a change in living arrangements, switch in routine or certain infections — can cause symptoms to worsen. Any time there is a sudden change in behavior, it is important to have a medical evaluation to rule out other causes.
We Can Help
Do you have questions or concerns about your loved one’s changing behavior? The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help.
Use photographs and other thought-provoking items to remind the person of important relationships and places.
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Advocate Spotlight: Robin Zielin – Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter invites you to become an Alzheimer’s Advocate, and to draw critical attention to the advancement of Alzheimer’s public policies at the 2017 Illinois Action Summit. Be a catalyst for change in Illinois and ensure that the needs of Alzheimer’s patients, family members, and caregivers are addressed. In this article, we feature one of our Illinois Action Summit participants, Robin Zielin.
What led to your involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association?
My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010 and died from the disease in a memory care facility in July of 2015. I learned about Alzheimer’s Association as a resource for information and guidance soon after my mother’s diagnosis. It really helped to have access to the articles online, the 24-hour helpline and knowing there were others struggling with the emotional side of things as well as the physical aspects.
How long have you been an Alzheimer’s advocate?
This is my second year taking part in the Illinois Action Summit and my fourth year in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Last year was my first time participating in the Action Summit and it actually felt a bit chaotic. Both the House and the Senate were actively in session during our visit so it was a little difficult to get the legislators to come out and meet us. While I didn’t get to speak with my Senator that day, I did speak with another Senator and gave her the ‘elevator pitch’ on the issues. It was really quite exhilarating!
Why the Illinois Action Summit?
Our legislators are elected to represent us and the issues we, their constituents, care about. I feel it’s essential to inform lawmakers about legislation coming up for a vote they may not have had time to read or research. By attending the Summit, I can actively show my support for issues and ensure they know it’s important because we go the extra mile to be in Springfield.
Why is being an Alzheimer’s Advocate important to you?
My mother’s fight against the disease is over, but there are so many others still in this heartbreaking fight. My work as an advocate is to be a voice for them, to hopefully make it easier for another family facing a difficult road ahead.
Why should others advocate for Alzheimer’s disease?
Being an Alzheimer’s Advocate gives you the ability to make a difference, to take action and help others struggling with the physical, financial and emotional effects of this disease. One of the unexpected benefits is connecting with others who understand the struggles you and your family are tackling and the potential to benefit from their experiences.
Let’s work to make Illinois a dementia-capable state!
Register today for the 2017 Illinois Action Summit.