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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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“I’m really sorry I missed you yesterday. I’m here today and I love you,” he says goes much farther in soothing hurt feelings and confusion than a logical argument.
It doesn’t matter who is right or wrong. It’s the moment that counts.
Best Friends caregivers set realistic expectations, use humor and are nonjudgmental. They stay in the moment.
Living in the present, Troxel says, is the key to being a best friend to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In only 30 seconds anyone can be a best friend to a person with Alzheimer’s disease. In half a minute you can give a hug, share a photograph, hold hands, look up at the clouds, watch a bird, read a poem, give a compliment, blow bubbles or taste a piece of fruit or candy.
In 30 seconds you can tell someone you love them and why.
The number-one risk for getting Alzheimer’s disease is age. By the time the baby boomer generation is into their elderly years there will 10 million with the disease.
Every 71 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease.
52 million Americans already have the disease. It is the sixth-leading cause of death. More people die from Alzheimer’s disease than all types of diabetes.
In Oregon, 76,000 people have it. Nearly everyone knows someone whose life is touched by the disease.
Troxel’s advice to the audience was to stay socially engaged, learn new brain skills every year, stay physically active, and eat a healthy diet, which can include dark chocolate, fish, fresh brewed coffee and red wine.
“What’s good for the heart is good for the brain,” he said.
If you have family or loved ones with the disease he recommends making sure they have been through a good medical and neuropsychological evaluation. Don’t expect the doctor to prescribe a medicine that will completely restore and repair your loved one’s brain.
“Remember to be their best friend, every day,” he said.
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For anyone interested its always best to not argue with a demented patient as they don't know what they are thinking/doing. Never try to correct them as they will just get more and more upset. Instead this best friends approach works so much better. Befriend them and laugh even if you don't know what they are saying just laugh. It will be much better and bring such joy to them. Its always worked much better for me to not argue or force something and to just take my time--eventually I get them to do what I want.
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Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 06:48 PM
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Re: Friends in the darkness
This is a very helpful article. It's so difficult for families dealing with this disease. In time I have spent visiting in nursing homes, I've found what they are saying to be true. Your visit with an Alzheimers patient is more pleasant if you can take it with a grain of humor, live in the moment and go with their little faux pas. If they say they had coffee with the president, as if he took cream and sugar. :) Foods high in Omega 3s and antioxidants are showing promise in fighting the plaques in brain and vessels. Dark chocolate and acai are foods that are high in good nutrients for protecting your heart and brain. You can learn more at the MyFitChocolate website.
"Xocolate"
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Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 06:24 PM