Can those with Alzheimer's be content?
Is it possibly to be content when one's brain is parting ways with itself?
Depending on the moment and what part of the brain is being activated, the answer seems to be yes.
Unfortunately the senses of the body can very quickly activate another part of the brain's jumbled data of experiences, real, imagined, or dreamed. Fear and doubt enter in which sometimes can be calmed by others who are able to distract by a touch on the arm and an attempt to distract the attention of the person to something on which they can focus their eyes. It is best to try not to prove the incorrectness of the person's statements, no matter how bazaar they may seem, or even to try to reteach a concept.
Speaking slowly and calmly, not shouting, but loud enough for the person to hear, getting physically down to their level, and smiling at the person helps the one who has Alzheimer's to be content for a while.
Note: There are many stages of Alzheimer's and many other types of dementia, and each person's experience is very different. If you have a loved one who you think may have Alzheimer's or another type of dementia, for their sake and your own, please use the many resources online and in your own community to better understand this condition. Teepa Snow is an expert on this subject and has many videos on youtube.
What an issue you tackled in this six sentence story. My friend told me agreeing, supporting, smiling and a touch on the arm, is essential in dealing with an Alzheimer sufferer. They may not remember what you say, but they do remember how they feel when they are around you. So happy you shared this.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I know there are so many people who are dealing with caring for someone or who have a loved one in a facility someplace and perhaps haven't connected to the resources available. Though my message was short, maybe it will be of help to someone.
Deletewow... My favorite aunt had late onset as well. I think there were times she was really content. I have photos of her smiling spontaneously although she could no longer speak. As a matter of fact she hadnt spoken in almost three months once and I read her her favorite Robert Frost poem and she recited the last line without my even asking. Granted it was a memory but it made her so happy to do it! It was one of the best moments I ever shared with her even without the illness and she was a great lady to hang with! ... Best to you and your Mom and for what it's worth, I think youre right about the initial question of contentment.
ReplyDeleteOh, Ivy, what a beautiful memory you have. Thank you so much for sharing that.
DeleteYour have managed to provide some excellent insight and information in just six sentences. I learned from this, and I also found it comforting. It is true of so many facets of life and interaction that the way we approach things makes so much difference!
ReplyDeleteThank you. That is so true about the way we interact with others making all the difference.
DeleteWow, you definitely packed a whollop here with this info. Alzheimer's is a disease I do not understand well. This is actually pretty helpful! I love how you used this week's prompt.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that it was helpful to you in some way.
DeleteI know I've said it before but again, I'm so sorry for what your mom's brain is going through now and to you who is dealing with the reality of not being recognized at times, and for having to speak softly even when you know the story is not true. My mom dealt with such the same with her own father's Alzheimers. It's such a heartbreaking disease. I feel more full for having read your experience tonight and thank you.
ReplyDeleteSo far my Mom still knows me and frequently tells others, "This is my daughter." Of course she has introduced me to people over and over again. She rarely calls me by name, and I'm told that when others mention me by name, she seems confused.
DeleteSadly memory loss and the ensuing confusion demands that relatives accept the incongruity of their loved ones behavior and conversation which may a times be hurtful. Only part of the person one knew and loved is still there.
ReplyDeleteI personally haven't been the recipient of hurtful words from her, but due to her confused state of memory, she has sometimes in the past couple of years said things about others that were not truthful recollections and kind of condemning. That doesn't happen so much now, because it is more difficult for her to find the words she wants to say.
DeleteI'm sure that Grandma is often content, and you are a devoted and loving daughter.
ReplyDeleteThank you. She is always glad to see me, and I am glad to see her.
Deletethe whole question of what is reality (and perhaps life itself) is raised in your post. excluding the obvious conflict of the physical (demands and requirements we are all subject to), where is the real(er) world? and this is not a frivolous take on the very real and quietly serious issue of age and the mooring to the present coming loose? maybe, it's just a long way to say, that our perspective imparts qualities that may (or may not) be shared by those in our lives. that and trust that they are, ultimately in good hands
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. As time goes on, I'm sure that my Mom will have experiences that she really can not share, partially because of lack of words to express herself and partially for lack of being able to understand what she may be seeing or feeling. I do know she is in good hands. That is a blessing.
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