Coping With Alzheimer’s Disease

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCoping With Physical SymptomsCoping EmotionallySeeking Social SupportCaregiving & Helping OthersNext in Alzheimer’s Disease GuideSymptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

Coping With Physical Symptoms

Coping Emotionally

Seeking Social Support

Caregiving & Helping Others

Next in Alzheimer’s Disease Guide

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Being diagnosed withAlzheimer’s diseasecan be deeply distressing for you and your loved ones. As it progresses, this condition can make it difficult for you to go about your daily life, which can lead to a lot of anxiety and frustration.

Planning out your care and seeking social and emotional support can help you cope with this condition and live a meaningful life for as long as you’re able. If you are a caregiver, these steps can help you provide the help your loved one may need following a diagnosis.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and ask them what you can expect. In addition to suggesting strategies that can help you cope, they may also be able to recommend resources and organizations that can be helpful to you.

Thesymptoms of Alzheimer’s diseasecan make everyday tasks challenging. “Enlisting help from family and friends, delegating tasks, and hiring help to off-load more onerous tasks can be helpful,” saysRichard Marottoli, MD, a geriatrician who specializes in treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Getting Help With Personal Care

Alzheimer’s disease can cause difficulties with self-care activities that have physical components, such as getting up out of a chair or bed, says Marottoli.

In the initial stages, a friend or family member may be able to help you with the tasks you’re unable to do; however, in the later stages, you may need a professional caregiver to help you with personal care.

These are difficult steps to take. After a lifetime of managing your own affairs and self-care, it can be painful to feel like you are losing your agency and self-determination. Preparing yourself and leaning on your support system, however, will be critical in helping you manage your well-being.

Preventing Falls

The later stages of Alzheimer’s can also involve issues with coordination, says Marottoli. He says an assistive device such as a cane or walker can help you maintain your balance.

Coordination and balance-related issues can make you more prone to falling. These are some steps you can take to prevent falls:

A physical oroccupational therapistcan assess your symptoms as well as your home, to determine what kind of support you need with daily living, whether you require an assistive device while walking, and what steps you can take to optimize your home for better safety and mobility, says Marotolli.

Coping With Incontinence

Alzheimer’s disease can lead to incontinence, which can make it difficult to control your bladder and bowel movements.

These are some strategies that can help you cope with incontinence:

Managing Finances

Alzheimer’s can also affect yourcognitive abilitiesand make it difficult for you to read, write, and manage numbers. If you are able to, you should get your affairs in order as soon as possible. You can enlist someone you trust to help you pay your bills and manage your money.

Since Alzheimer’s disease has no cure and gets progressively worse, beingdiagnosedwith it can be deeply distressing and cause you and your loved ones to experience shock, anger, denial, fear, and sadness.

Richard Marottoli, MDAlzheimer’s disease can be emotionally taxing on patients and caregivers.

Richard Marottoli, MD

Alzheimer’s disease can be emotionally taxing on patients and caregivers.

As things you could once do with ease become more difficult, you may find yourself hiding your mistakes or struggles from your loved ones, or feeling reluctant to ask for help. This can cause considerable stress and add to your difficulties. Accepting assistance can feel like you’re losing your independence or giving up control of your life.

Seeking professional mental help, such as therapy, can help you process your feelings about the diagnosis, accept your condition and the changes it brings, and developcoping skillsthat can help you navigate the challenges you face.

Over time, the disease can cause significant changes in your mood and behavior. Confusion, anger,apathy, depression, and paranoia are some of the symptoms you might experience. They can be difficult for your loved ones and caregivers as well. “It is important to look for early signs, such as mood or behavioral symptoms, and be as positive and supportive as possible,” says Marottoli.

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In addition to enlisting help from family and friends, Marottoli sayssupport groupsare also very effective, as they allow participants to learn from and support each other. He recommends finding one that is geared toward your needs, like early-onset or early-stage groups, for instance.

Resources & OrganizationsYou can find a support group near you through the following organizations, according to Marottoli.Alzheimer’s AssociationArea Agencies on AgingVisiting Nurse Association“Additionally, if there’s an Alzheimer’s Center or Geriatric Assessment Center in your area, they can also help identify community resources that may be appropriate to your particular needs,” says Marottoli.

Resources & Organizations

You can find a support group near you through the following organizations, according to Marottoli.Alzheimer’s AssociationArea Agencies on AgingVisiting Nurse Association“Additionally, if there’s an Alzheimer’s Center or Geriatric Assessment Center in your area, they can also help identify community resources that may be appropriate to your particular needs,” says Marottoli.

You can find a support group near you through the following organizations, according to Marottoli.

“Additionally, if there’s an Alzheimer’s Center or Geriatric Assessment Center in your area, they can also help identify community resources that may be appropriate to your particular needs,” says Marottoli.

The Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and Tested

In the early stages, if the person isforgetfulbut still able to care for themselves, it can be helpful to put reminders on their phone, for daily tasks as well as important things they need to remember.

Richard Marottoli, MDCaregiving can be very difficult and draining, but also very rewarding.

Caregiving can be very difficult and draining, but also very rewarding.

As the condition progresses, these are some strategies that can be helpful when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease:

A patient with Alzheimer’s may experience mood swings, anger, andparanoia. They may also hit or bite loved ones and caregivers. Inform their healthcare provider about these symptoms, as they may be able to prescribe medication that can help.

“It is important forcaregiversto be realistic about their own capabilities and limitations and not be afraid to ask for help where/when needed. Taking care of yourself as a caregiver, physically and emotionally, is critical to being able to be present for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease,” says Marotolli.

SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Aging.Alzheimer’s disease: common medical problems.National Institute on Aging.Managing personality and behavior changes in Alzheimer’s.

Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Aging.Alzheimer’s disease: common medical problems.National Institute on Aging.Managing personality and behavior changes in Alzheimer’s.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute on Aging.Alzheimer’s disease: common medical problems.National Institute on Aging.Managing personality and behavior changes in Alzheimer’s.

National Institute on Aging.Alzheimer’s disease: common medical problems.

National Institute on Aging.Managing personality and behavior changes in Alzheimer’s.

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