There is a certain degree of pain that you will feel when a loved one’s suffering from a memory decline. Whether you notice your dad forgetting some important things, your husband losing judgment in critical areas, or your mom not even remembering you in certain instances, there is a reason to be alarmed.
Don’t let the situation overwhelm you, though. There is something you can do for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. The subject may be quite touchy to focus on, that you won’t want to raise it, but working on early signs will help you and a loved one cope with the situation.
Know Your Warning Signs
We all tend to conclude that someone has Alzheimer’s when he or she forgets the most important details in his or her life. That can be a sign, but there is something worst to this condition that needs particular attention. Along with these warning signs, you have to take note of how sudden the changes took place. Otherwise, this can just be delirium or another physical problem that can be treated. Once symptoms gradually develop over time, it is most likely they are showing up signs of dementia.
Ask Your Loved One About How He or She Feels
This, in particular, is about your loved ones’ feelings about their memory. They notice whether there are lapses in their brain functions. Some will be comfortable talking about it to you, but some often put aside the feeling, replacing them with anger and defense mechanisms that they can think about. When the latter happens, you need to be gentle when approaching your loved ones.
It is also crucial to choose the time of day when you talk to them. Similarly, you must also be open about how you feel. Tell them you are worried about the situation. Ask them if they also notice those changes. Never tell them outright that they are indeed having trouble remembering things.
Ask Assistance from People Close to You
Start by asking them if they also have noticed changes with your loved ones. Make sure that you do this as confidential and as respectful as possible, such that no one gets hurt and embarrassed during that instant. Some people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s may have the ability to cover up for the situation, but if you know them well it will be easy to take notice of these changes. Just to make sure, you may want to ask others if they have similar observations as you.
Convince the Person to Go to a Doctor
When you do, you have to assure him or her that you will go together. This can be a good start to know whether it is Alzheimer’s he or she is suffering from. There might be other existing cognition problems that need to be addressed right away. If you are having trouble convincing him or her to go to the doctor, just inform him or her that this is for the annual routine check-up.
It is normal to feel anxious during times like this. Whether your loved ones are living in a community specially made for them, or they are with you at home, it is a situation that needs attention. You might also need assisted living care when this is the case.
