By Dr. Macie Smith
As a social worker with a focus on gerontology (the study of aging and the issues that affect older adults), I have spent a lot of time working with people affected by Alzheimer’s disease. This includes people living with the disease as well as their families and caregivers. Over the years, I have found that it’s easy to make assumptions about what it’s like to have the disease, which can have a significant impact on both the person and their families.
Understanding exactly how Alzheimer’s affects a person can be extremely helpful in supporting a high quality of life for all involved. I like to think about it as the “4 A’s of Alzheimer’s.” These include Amnesia, Aphasia, Agnosia, and Apraxia. Let’s take a look at each of these, in this short guide designed to help caregivers avoid assumptions and provide the best possible care for their loved ones.
Amnesia: Memory
Alzheimer’s typically affects short term memory first. As the disease progresses, the long-term memory may be affected as well. But it doesn’t mean that your loved one will forget their entire life. It’s just the most recent information that poses the greatest challenges. Understanding this can help you to be patient when it comes to short term memories. And, by focusing on the memories the person still has intact, you can still have a fulfilling and engaging conversation with your loved one.
Aphasia: Language
Alzheimer’s eventually affects a person’s ability to speak. Early in the disease progression, they will experience word-find difficulty. They may use different words than what they typically use, or they may use less difficult words and phrases. It’s important to keep in mind that they still can carry on a conversation. However, the conversation may be short and there may be moments when the conversation may be difficult to follow. Again, a little patience can go a long way.
Agnosia: Recognition
Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s ability to recognize familiar places, people and things, especially if this information is new. That goes back to the short-term memory deficits. Meeting new people will be challenging since the disease typically affects the hippocampus where the short-term memories are formed. Eventually the disease will affect the long-term memories, but that doesn’t mean the person will forget someone they know entirely. Even though they might forget your name, they still remember that they love you.
Apraxia: Performing
Alzheimer’s will eventually affect a person’s ability to perform familiar tasks. Although they might not be able to make dinner anymore, they still can participate in the process. Allow them to do what they can do, and you do the rest. For example, they may be able to prepare the salad, make the drinks, or set the table, but not be able to plan and execute all the tasks involved in the entire dinner. The goal is to enjoy a familiar event in a familiar place.
Being a witness to a loved one’s decline can be difficult, but it can certainly help to understand what is happening and develop approaches that optimize time spent together. The point is, don’t underestimate the abilities of those with Alzheimer’s. Give them the support they need in the manner they need it and when they need it. Don’t assume they can’t. Assume they will with your support.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia, discover how SYNERGY HomeCare can help and learn more about our Memory Care program.
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Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
