Alzheimer’s disease has a profound impact not only on the life of the patients, but also on the lives of the people around them. Watching my grandmother’s quality of life diminish has motivated me to change my own lifestyle in order to prevent the possibility that I may someday have this disease. Not only do I eat healthy, I exercise my body and my brain.

By far the biggest impact on my life has been my relationship with my grandmother. She has lived with Alzheimer’s for two years, and in that time she has become a different person. The jolly grandma I remember has deteriorated into an extremely confused and dependent stranger. Helping to care for her is difficult. I experience a roller coaster range of emotions: profound sadness, frustration, and even anger. There are many resources out there for caregivers. I have found some great tips on dealing with some of the challenges associated with Alzheimer’s.

Handling delusions

My grandmother, like many Alzheimer’s patients, experiences delusions. She often believes that people who have died are still living. On bad days, she will ask to call her sister (who died 7 years ago) 4 to 5 times an hour. Telling her over and over again that her sister was dead was frustrating for us, and upsetting for her. Her doctor suggested we explain the reality only once, and then try to distract her.

Distracting an Alzheimer’s patient with activities and conversation is difficult. The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) website has some good advice on coping when your loved one experiences delusions. You may need to change their surroundings. Go outside to sit in the garden, or simply move to another room. Give them simple and familiar activities such as folding clothes, polishing silver, or peeling vegetables. Don’t expect too much from them, and help them to move away from the task if you see them become frustrated. In order to get my grandmother’s mind off upsetting delusions, we often take her out for ice cream or go for a short walk. (www.alzheimers.org).

If you keep answering the same question, you will not be able to avoid becoming annoyed or even angry. The best way to keep yourself under control while helping your patient is to only answer once. The second, third, and even fourth time your patient asks the question, do not answer. Don’t ignore them either! Involve their attention elsewhere. Ask them to tell you a story about their wedding day or a school experience. Point out some pretty flowers or a painting and ask if they like it and why. Hand them a picture book, magazine, or family photo album. Don’t give up, keep talking about another subject or asking questions until they answer you.