Alzheimer's Disease Center
University of California, Davis

The Family Connection
Winter 2000

Discovering Ways of Coping

Symptoms during the early stages can be challenging, both for the person with Alzheimer’s and his or her family. The following is a list of things to do or ways of thinking about the disease that have been helpful to others living with Alzheimer’s disease. Some of these suggestions may be helpful to you as well.

• Educate yourself about the disease and resources in the community.
• Maintain an open mind and positive attitude—focus on your present abilities.
• Know that there are many ways in which you can continue a meaningful and productive life.
• Be patient with yourself.
• Continue to explore ways to fulfill your needs for intimacy and closeness. The desire for intimate and close relationships with others continues throughout the disease.
• Exercise can contribute to good physical health and coordination, and can reduce stress and frustration. See your physician for an exercise program that will best fit your needs.
• Find productive ways to release anger and frustration—talk with a close friend, a counselor experienced with Alzheimer’s disease, or join a support group especially for people with the disease.
• Use visible and/or accessible reminders—write notes to yourself, leave messages on your answering machine, or set the alarm on a watch as a reminder about an upcoming appointment.
• Know that you are not identified only as a person with Alzheimer’s disease—focus on your special personal attributes and inner qualities, such as integrity, kindness, humor.
• Become an advocate for yourself and other individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Write letters and make phone calls to local and state representatives or become involved in a research program.

What’s in Your Community?

There are a variety of community resources that can provide you and your family with support and assistance. Some of these programs primarily
provide information on specific issues while others provide help with the emotional impact of the disease.

• Support groups and counseling services: Support groups can be primarily discussion-oriented or offer a variety of activities including outings and creative projects. Caregiver support groups are also available in the community for family members and friends.
• Volunteer programs: Volunteer workshops and community volunteer programs are available in some areas.
• Artistic programs: Expressing yourself through work in clay, paint or photography, for example, may be very beneficial to you and can provide you with opportunities for self-expression.
• Structured day programs: Adult day activity programs (both social and health oriented) provide activities such as art therapy, exercise, community outings and assistance with physical health needs.
• Professional assistance: Take advantage of health-care professionals such as occupational and physical therapists who can assist with maintaining your physical strength and coordination.
• Legal and financial assistance: Completing a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Durable Power of Attorney for Finances may be important initial steps. Check with your local Caregiver Resource Center (in California) or chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for appropriate referrals.
• Care management: A care manager experienced in the field of Alzheimer’s disease can provide education, assistance with transitions, emotional support and guidance in locating and coordinating community resources.

(Reprinted with permission of Family Caregiver Alliance) ©Family Caregiver Alliance http//www.caregiver.org

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