5 keys to helping an Alzheimer's patient

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Extract from the article: Aider un patient atteint d’Alzheimer n’est pas tâche facile. Dans un premier temps, le patient commence à oublier des petites choses. À un stade avancé de la maladie, le patient ne reconnaît même plus les visages de sa propre famille. Il est nécessai

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Helping an Alzheimer's patient is no easy task. At first, the patient begins to forget little things. At an advanced stage of the disease, the patient no longer even recognises the faces of his own family. It is necessary to put into practice certain keys that will enable them to manage their frustration and impatience.

Alzheimer's is a disease that causes progressive memory loss. The disease affects not only the patient suffering from it, but the whole family. The family has to deal with rejection, insults and the harsh reality that the patient does not recognise their loved ones.  For these reasons, there are a few keys to helping an Alzheimer's patient.

Simple, direct communication

Communicating with an Alzheimer's patient can be a real challenge.They may be easily distracted, they may not understand what you're saying, and you may have to keep repeating yourself.Patience is essential.To make the task easier, follow these recommendations: Use short, simple sentences.Do not give several pieces of information or instructions in the same sentence.For example, after you've eaten, take a shower and we'll go to the doctor. Don't shout. Don't exaggerate. Speak quietly. Be prepared to repeat. Look the person in the eye at all times, and give them your full attention. When the patient is distracted, do not hesitate to call them by their first name to draw their attention to what you are saying. Be patient, as it may take some time for the patient to respond. Let the patient take their time. If what the patient is saying seems incoherent, make every effort to understand it.

Helping the patient, but in moderation

Many people who have to help an Alzheimer's patient end up treating him or her like a baby.These people then communicate with the patient as if he or she were a baby, and talk about him or her to other people as if he or she were not in the room.This does nothing positive.Give the patient the respect due to their rank and age.

Although an Alzheimer's patient may have difficulty communicating, getting dressed and showering, we must do everything in our power to ensure that they are independent, including choosing their clothes and washing themselves.It doesn't matter if he or she takes a long time to complete these tasks.Always be patient.There are professionals (such as occupational therapists) who can help you maintain the patient's independenceHelping the patient, but in moderationMany people who have to help an Alzheimer's patient end up treating him or her like a baby.These people then communicate with the patient as if he or she were a baby, and talk about him or her to other people as if he or she were not in the room.This does nothing positive.Give the patient the respect due to their rank and age.

Establishing a routine

Establishing a routine can be of great help to Alzheimer's sufferers.For example, it is recommended that patients wash, eat and go to bed at a fixed time every day.If possible, schedule these activities at times when the patient is generally calm.

Thanks to this routine, the various tasks become automatic gestures, which will then allow the patient to enjoy greater independence, because he knows what he has to do. This will give them a sense of security and prevent them from becoming disorientated.

Helping the patient through cognitive stimulation 

To ensure that people with Alzheimer's enjoy a better quality of life, it is important to help them maintain an active mind by learning new skills and practising exercises that stimulate their cognitive capacity.

Taking the time to do crosswords, word games, reading, drawing or dictation is very important. Not only does cognitive stimulation improve quality of life, it also slows the progression of the disease, reduces stress and increases independence.

Taking care of non-verbal communication

Verbal communication with an Alzheimer's patient can be difficult. The patient may take a long time to respond, generally does not express himself coherently, and does not understand at first what we are saying.That's why it's vital to take care with non-verbal communication.Smiles, displays of affection, physical contact, including kisses and cuddles, can go a long way to making patients feel loved and cared for.If we stress, lose patience and are in a hurry when it comes to carrying out certain activities, the disease will not improve.The patient will also be stressed and will tend to isolate himself, feeling misunderstood and alone. It is therefore essential to give Alzheimer's sufferers lots of love and tenderness, and to be patient. Put yourself in their place. Being stern and getting carried away does no good.Empathy helps you to see the situation in a different light and to treat an Alzheimer sufferer as he or she deserves to be treated. Don't forget that Alzheimer's patients have moments of lucidity and know to a certain extent what is right and wrong. So they are well aware of how you feel about them.Showing affection on a daily basis to the patient is a medicine that doesn't cost much but is very effective in slowing down the progression of the disease.

Abel OZIH

Article validated by Adiel Lotri, Occupational therapist in mental health, graduate of Claude Bernard University in Lyon (France)