Finding an Alzheimers Society

You may have heard of the Alzheimers Society based out of the UK. While they may be leading current research and receiving more funding, this doesn't necessarily help those of us who are treating an Alzheimers patient here in the US. The outlook is dire right now, with little in terms of effective Alzheimers treatment or prevention, but doctors say that seeking support and education are key to making life manageable. Here in America, there are two major groups you can turn to for assistance - the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

As humans, we naturally seek out like-minded individuals and others who we feel connected to in some way. As an Alzheimers caregiver, you will likely feel conflicting emotions and periods of depression, resentment or fear. It's recommended that you connect with others who are going through the same experience. You can participate in a "Memory Walk" with your loved one to raise money and awareness for Alzheimers research, which will help you feel like you're taking control of an otherwise helpless-feeling situation. You can take a six-week course on "powerful tools for caregiving" or join an Alzheimers support group to discuss different techniques and air your emotions to maintain positive mental health.

Another reason to link up with an Alzheimers society is to access their wealth of information to help you do a better job at effectively dealing with your Alzheimers patient. Most caregivers choose to keep their loved one at home, which places a lot of the burden on themselves to learn and maintain the best possible environment. You can read a book like "32 Causes of Alzheimer's Aggression" to make sure you're not contributing to the problem, or a book like "Intimacy Sexuality and How Alzheimers Affects It On A Daily Basis" if you're caring for a spouse who's had an early onset of Alzheimers. You may want to rent a couple of free movies that detail personal experiences with Alzheimers or suggest a dementia activity or two that may ease the symptoms of Alzheimers.

"The disease took a relentless presence in our lives," recalls Michael Urbutt on the Alzheimers Association website. "My father would call from work and say to me, 'You can't go out with the boys to the park and play baseball. You have to stay home and make sure mom doesn't get lost.' In the eyes of an 8 year old, that's especially tough." By joining an Alzheimers society, he found support for his family and learned how to balance his regimen to include time for himself and the kids, amid his busy Alzheimers caregiver schedule.

Just enter your name and email to get your FREE Alzheimer gift immediately ! Name:                  Email Address: Your name and email address will not be sold, shared or disclosed to anyone. We promise to respect your privacy.

Technorati Tags: Alzheimer, Finding an Alzheimers Society