When memory loss starts to affect someone, the first person to notice it is them. As time goes by and the symptoms gets worse, that's when family members or close friends become aware.When we think of this horrible disease called Dementia or Alzheimer's, those who are not familiar with it mostly think of the later stage, when a person are not able to care for themselves any longer.But what about the early stages?
My father has had this disease for over 15 years now, and he is at the stage where he can no longer do for himself.Even though his memory and mobility is gone, he is still alert.He knows that a bowl means it's time to eat, and when I put a straw to his mouth he knows to drink.This lets me know he still has some association skills.But what about the early years!
When we first started noticing the changes in my father, we had no idea that it was Alzheimer's creeping in, even though his father had this disease.We just didn't think about it happening to him.Once we figured out what was happening, we started asking for advise from people who had been through it. One of the key things everyone was telling us was, keeping them active.No one can imagine losing your total independence like that.
Since my father loved to build things, take rides, fish, and do other outdoor activities, my brothers and I tried to keep him involved in those activities. We wanted to make him feel like he was still involved in the things he loved, even though it was limited.It was one of the most important things we could have done.For one, it made us open our eyes to see that this was not going to last long, and to really, and I mean really, cherish every moment.
So if you have someone that is in the early stages of this disease, keep them active in the activities they once loved. If it's your mother and she love the kitchen, let her pass things to you, or participate in making her favorite pies. This will make them feel some sort of independence, and trust me, you will loved the little time you have with them.
There is a book that I purchased from John Du Preez,a person who shares his hurts in dealing with this disease. He is actually a person with the disease and wrote the book to give hope to those who care forare, or will be going through this disease. The book is $10.45 and you can purchase it at the link below.
Click Here
My father has had this disease for over 15 years now, and he is at the stage where he can no longer do for himself.Even though his memory and mobility is gone, he is still alert.He knows that a bowl means it's time to eat, and when I put a straw to his mouth he knows to drink.This lets me know he still has some association skills.But what about the early years!
When we first started noticing the changes in my father, we had no idea that it was Alzheimer's creeping in, even though his father had this disease.We just didn't think about it happening to him.Once we figured out what was happening, we started asking for advise from people who had been through it. One of the key things everyone was telling us was, keeping them active.No one can imagine losing your total independence like that.
Since my father loved to build things, take rides, fish, and do other outdoor activities, my brothers and I tried to keep him involved in those activities. We wanted to make him feel like he was still involved in the things he loved, even though it was limited.It was one of the most important things we could have done.For one, it made us open our eyes to see that this was not going to last long, and to really, and I mean really, cherish every moment.
So if you have someone that is in the early stages of this disease, keep them active in the activities they once loved. If it's your mother and she love the kitchen, let her pass things to you, or participate in making her favorite pies. This will make them feel some sort of independence, and trust me, you will loved the little time you have with them.
There is a book that I purchased from John Du Preez,a person who shares his hurts in dealing with this disease. He is actually a person with the disease and wrote the book to give hope to those who care forare, or will be going through this disease. The book is $10.45 and you can purchase it at the link below.
Click Here
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