3 Tips for Helping Your Loved One Cope with Alzheimer's Disease

Last updated 7 months ago

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be incredibly troubling, both for the patient and his or her loved ones. If someone you care about is dealing with such a diagnosis, he or she will need your love and support now more than ever.

Alzheimer’s is a gradual disease, and many treatments and therapies can slow its progression. Your loved one may be able to continue with active senior living for some time to come. Whether your loved one is at the stage of needing assisted living or is in the beginning stages, you can help by following these tips:

Encourage activity: Studies have shown that the more active an Alzheimer’s patient is, the more cognitive function he or she is able to retain for longer. This includes all types of activities, but especially those that stimulate the brain. Encourage your loved one to continue doing the hobbies that he or she enjoys and suggest learning new ones.

Stress the importance of exercise: Recent studies suggest that exercise, particularly resistance training, can improve cognitive abilities, encourage better balance, and have a positive effect on cardiovascular health. Sticking with or adopting a new active living program can also help stave off the effects of depression that so often accompany an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, as exercise has long been known to increase endorphins.

Practice patience: As Alzheimer’s progresses, your loved one will have a harder time trying to communicate. Words will not come as easily and abilities that were once second-nature will begin to require a true effort to perform. Behavioral changes and memory loss are also symptomatic of Alzheimer’s disease. Offering your patience and support as these changes occur will reassure your loved one.

At San Clemente Villas by the Sea, we offer assisted living for all seniors, including Alzheimer’s patients. We understand how difficult this time can be and are here to help in any way we can. Call (949) 485-4028 to learn more about our assisted living and retirement community.