Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Summer 2020

lakeregional.com 5 • Losing track of the day or year • Having trouble following a conversation or recognizing familiar people • Having difficulties carrying out multistep tasks, such as getting dressed • Engaging in impulsive behavior, such as using vulgar language or undressing at inappropriate times or places Get help If you or a loved one has memory problems, or you’re concerned about changes in memory and behavior, your first step is to talk to a doctor. It’s important to know that these signs and symptoms may be caused by problems other than Alzheimer’s, and the right care could improve or reverse them. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. But there are medications that might delay progression of the disease. Acting quickly is to your advantage. To find a physician, visit lakeregional.com/ physicians . STEP UP AWARENESS Find and show support at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s — 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Lake Regional Hospital. Find out more at lakeregional.com/alzwalk . MER’S? Help for caregivers You’ve just learned that your spouse has Alzheimer’s disease. There’s no doubt that it’s a frightening diag- nosis for both of you. Your lives are going to change and not in entirely predictable ways — the disease progresses differently in different people. H ow you can support your spouse Here is some information from the Family Caregiver Alliance and the National Institute on Aging: • Routines can be good for people with Alzheimer’s. Get up, eat meals, bathe and go to bed at the same time. But stay flexible to changing needs. • Prepare for an activity in advance to avoid confus- ing your spouse. For example, have towels and clothes ready before he or she takes a bath. • Your spouse may rebel at being told what to do. If that happens, let him or her choose clothes or foods. Just limit the selection to make it easy on both of you. • Encourage your spouse to do whatever he or she is able. And help extend those abilities with simple adaptations, such as using fabric fasteners on clothes or cups with lids. • Talk with your spouse in a calm voice. Avoid complex sentences. • Help your spouse focus by starting conversations with his or her name. • Consider joining an Alzheimer’s support group. You may learn valuable coping skills from other caregivers. Feeling stressed? Find more ways to cope — our online health library can help. Start with some stress-busting tips at lakeregional.com/ alz-caregivers .