Forgetting the People You Love... A Resource Guide to Coping With Alzheimer's.

Realizing the onset of Alzheimer’s in yourself or a loved one is hard enough before having to cope with the consequences. For someone experiencing Alzheimer’s, it can be a confusing, disorienting time that greatly impacts their lifestyle and relationships. For busy family members too, it can be hard to be a caregiver while juggling a career, home life and kids. While it is a difficult situation for everyone involved, there are a number of ways to cope and help make things easier. Explore the following resources to find out more about Alzheimer’s and coping techniques.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

• The Basics of Alzheimer’s – Alzheimer’s usually occurs with advancing age and is considered a type of dementia.

• How Alzheimer’s Affects the Brain – Alzheimer’s progresses in gradual stages, affecting different areas of the brain.

• Alzheimer’s Facts – Just over five million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and while it is common among seniors, old age is not a prerequisite for this disease.

• Causes of Alzheimer’s – Apart from old age, family history and genetics also play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s in individuals.

• Understanding Alzheimer’s – Read about how Alzheimer’s affects people across the nation and browse the additional resources at the end of the article.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

• Alzheimer’s Warning Signs – Learn to recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s, and know when to consult a doctor.

• Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease – Apart from forgetfulness, signs such as confusion and sudden unfamiliarity of people and places may also indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s.

• Alzheimer’s Symptom Checklist (PDF) – If you or a loved one suspect Alzheimer’s, use this list of symptoms to see if any are present.

• Increased Falls – Individuals who show increased signs of falling may be already developing Alzheimer’s.

Coping with Alzheimer’s Disease

• Dealing with Loss of Memory (PDF) – Find out how to minimize memory loss and understand it better.

• Living with Alzheimer’s (PDF) – Download a brochure to help you understand the causes and effects of Alzheimer’s and how to adjust to living with it.

• How to Survive with Alzheimer’s – Using a system of labels, notes and written schedules can help to cope with memory loss.

• Alzheimer’s Coping Tips – Joining a support group or receiving counseling can help to share your difficulties and successes in dealing with Alzheimer’s.

Coping with a Family Member’s Alzheimer’s Condition

• Coping as a Caregiver – Learn how to understand the mental state of a person with Alzheimer’s and how to develop strategies to cope with their condition.

• Receiving a Diagnosis – It can be shocking and scary to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but this list of tips can help to adjust and plan.

• Taking Care of Alzheimer’s Patients – This online brochure helps to explain coping strategies to caregivers and also offers advice on how to teach patients to take care of themselves.

• Managing Confusion and Forgetfulness – Reacting impatiently to an Alzheimer’s patient may cause them to feel hurt and even more confused. The coping strategies in this article teach caregivers about communicating positively and clearly.

• Caregiver Dos and Don’ts – Reducing an Alzheimer’s patient’s responsibilities and maintaining a calm attitude with them are ways for both caregiver and patient to cope with the disease.