Tips to staying independent with Alzheimer's

November 22, 9:38 AMNashville Disability ExaminerVicky Pitner

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Fall Sunset in Franklin,TN

Vicky Pitner

November is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Alzheimer's, the seventh leading cause of death in America, is a progressive, fatal disease that gradually destroys a persons memory, thinking, and ability to perform even the simplest tasks. Named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906, there are over 5 million Americans  living with Alzheimer's today.

About 6% of the general population over the age of 65 will be affected by Alzheimer's. But individuals with Down syndrome risks are as high as 25% by the age of 40. The following tips can help someone remain independent in the home longer.  

• Serve food on bright blue plates, red cups, and colorful utensils. A Boston College study showed that food intake increased by 25% and drink by 85% as opposed to using white plates because of a contrast sensitivity deficiency.
• Label cabinets and drawers (cups, plates, socks)
• Lay out clothes at night stacked with the first garment on top (underwear).
• Some individuals may not notice the white toilet and actually urinate on the floor, Buy a colorful toilet seat cover.
• If they tend to wander, place "Stop" signs on outside doors.
• Affirm rather than confront your loved one's thoughts, If they announce their mother is coming for a visit and that parent has been deceased for years, it is shown that to confront and try "reality orientation" will only upset the individual because the news is heard as it for the first time and they experience the shock and grief over and over. Instead, affirm by making a connection, "Oh, my mother was from Kentucky. Where was your mother born?"

With patience and creativity your loved one can continue to be a productive member of your family. Explore tasks that they can still do, such as folding laundry or brushing the dog, so their purpose and quality of life will have meaning and their sense of self worth will be enhanced.

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