How to Cope With a Parent With Alzhiemer's

Coping with Alzheimer's Disease is painful and difficult, especially if the patient is your parent. Hearing the news that one of your parents has Alzheimer's may evoke feelings of anger, sadness or despair. You may want to take some personal time to deal with these feelings in a healthy and appropriate manner. As of 2010 there is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease, but there are a wide variety of treatments and resources for family members of patients to get support.

Instructions

• 1

  Join a support group to meet other people in your situation and get valuable advice. Talking with people who are sharing the same experience will give you insight and support, as well as an outlet to talk about how you feel dealing with your parent's Alzheimer's. Look for support groups in your area for family members, friends or loved ones of Alzheimer's patients and attend regular meetings. You will probably be able to find other resources for coping with Alzheimer's at support group meetings.

• 2

  Have an involved discussion with your parent's physician about symptoms and course of treatment. You need to be aware of what is going on and the direction your parent's treatment is taking to be able to cope with the situation. Being more informed will help you apply practical advice in daily life with your parent.

• 3

  Read some literature to become more familiar with the aspects of Alzheimer's. There are brochures and pamphlets that explain the basics of dealing with Alzheimer's, but you can also find books that go in depth on tough subjects. Books often give practical advice on real issues that are not necessarily easy to talk about. Reading about your parent's condition and how to cope with it will give you some new ideas and methods.

• 4

  Be patient with your parent and try not to get frustrated or angry. Dealing with forgetfulness and having your parent not recognize people and places can be very upsetting, but it is important to remember that this cannot be helped and it is not your parent's fault. Getting angry will only create unneeded tension and negative energy. Try to be patient and remind your parent of things they forget, but do not push. Leave notes around the house if you have to.

• 5

  Take care of yourself if you want to be able to take care of your parent. You need to stay healthy and take regular time for yourself if you want to be in proper shape to cope with your parent's disease and its complicated symptoms. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well and maintain normalcy in your life and schedule. If you are in better physical and mental shape, you will be more equipped to cope with your parent's disease and handle the situation.