It’s sad to see your loved one going down the hill with Alzheimer’s disease. This neuro-degenerative disease has no cure, but there are certain medications that can delay the progression of the symptoms. There are three stages of Alzheimer’s, the first, middle, and end stage but every individual is unique and sometimes the stages overlap each other so it’s difficult to determine the exact stage of the disease.
But as the disease progresses, the more you should be loving and caring to your loved one. You must have patience and understand that the changes in their behavior and personality are due to their illness. They might be aggressive and sometimes combative but remember they are not doing this in purpose, but because they are sick. There will come a time that they may not even know your name, or know you that you are her husband, son, daughter, sister, or brother. This is sad but this is reality in AD.
Sometimes you have to go to their world. Let them feel that you love and care for them. Allocate time for them, looking old photographs of family members, family reunion, weddings or birthdays. Comb their hair, hug them, or play with them. In this way they could feel your love and compassion with them. Although they forget, in the corner of their mind there is something left that will trigger their mind and spark the memories to come back. You can listen to their favorite songs together. This might touch their heart and filled it up with happiness and joy.
Going to their world is important not only to those who are sick of Alzheimer’s Disease but for all those sick of any kind to show our love and compassion with them. This will give them hope, determination, and courage to survive the disease.
