#001: Alzheimer’s: Living, Learning, and Loving Those that Need Help

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Show Notes:

In this inaugural episode, I discuss what it means and takes to Live Well with Alzheimer’s. This information is derived from one of my signature presentations that I’ve given multiple times in my own community.

I’ve also been involved with individuals with dementia and their caregivers for several years now, and I’ve seen and heard what works and what doesn’t.When you ask people what living well means to them, you will get an array of answers.

For some, it’s about being happy; for others, it’s about their health.But for the family faced with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, it also takes on a whole new meaning – because living well is also vital to protecting the health and well-being of both care partners (the person with dementia and you the caregiver).

Living Well is the best medicine for delaying the progression of the disease.In this episode, I discuss 8 pillars of care that must be addressed in order for both the person with Alzheimer’s and their family, including you, to live “well” through the stages of the disease.

Pillar #1 – Emotions
The emotional roller coaster leaves the station the first time something is considered to be wrong.

Pillar #2 – Protecting choices and dignity
The ability to make decisions is important to a person’s individualism.

Pillar #3 – Socialization
There is a lot of ignorance and misunderstanding about Alzheimer’s in our society. Because of this, families dealing with dementia often stay in the closet.

Pillar #4 – Intellectual Stimulation
We all want an easy solution, so we hope that we can protect our brain by simply doing more crossword puzzles or playing some Sudoku. But, it’s much more complex than that.

Pillar #5 – Nutrition
Following good dietary guidelines are just as important and should a heart-healthy diet and a rainbow or fruits and vegetables.

Pillar #6 – Exercise and movement
All our lives we’ve been told about exercise guidelines. Sound health is dependent upon the functioning and interaction of our neurophysiologic systems.

Pillar #7 – Home Environment
We spend the vast majority of our lives in our homes, yet the most families dealing with Alzheimer’s do very little to make their home Alzheimer’s friendly.

Pillar #8 – Spiritual needs
While we tend to think of spiritual as religion, it can be any kind of meaningful activity or blissful experience.

Living Well with Alzheimer’s won’t be easy, and it takes daily proactive effort. But together we can implement strategies to help you, your loved one, and the rest of your family live Well with Alzheimer’s.

Mentioned in this Show:
Interviews of People Living Well with Dementia
Article on the Emotional Effects of Caregiving 
Nutrition and Mealtime Importance 
Resource Page for Creating a Dementia Friendly Home
Together in This 8-Week Online Course: Adapting Your Home for Dementia

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