by guest author Vee Cecil
If you have been diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s disease, you are probably able to go about your daily routines with relative ease, save a few mishaps here and there. But as your symptoms increase, you may begin to struggle with daily tasks, such as grocery shopping, which were once second nature. The good news is there are a few tips you can use to maintain normalcy in your daily life despite your Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Keep your daily routines – and your environment – as consistent as possible. This includes both daytime routines and bedtime routines. Stick to your normal bedtime whenever possible, and follow a consistent routine. Changes to your routine or your environment can lead to anxiety and even agitation. The more consistent your day-to-day activities, the better you’ll be able to accomplish the tasks you set out to do and the less frustration you’ll experience.
Focus on the things that you still need, want, or would like to do. Approach tasks in a “relaxed manner.” Be prepared to be patient with yourself. You may forget small details, such as where you typically store your toothbrush or how to prepare a favorite meal, but when you take your time and focus on the things that you’re able to do, you’ll feel more independent, and at the end of the day you might just be surprised by how much you were able to accomplish.
It’s also helpful to focus on one task at a time, simplify tasks, and break down more complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. It’s okay to rely on coping techniques, such as written reminders, clocks, alarms, and other tools to help you achieve what you set out to do. If there are tasks that you simply can no longer do, allow yourself time to grieve the loss of a skill.
Take time for light exercise. Be sure to consult your physician to make sure that light exercise, such as walking or seated exercise, is safe for you to participate in. A stroll through an indoor mall, for instance, can be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Swimming is also a great form of exercise for people with Alzheimer’s because in addition to being a great cardiovascular workout it also helps to reduce anxiety. Light exercise can help with several symptoms you may be experiencing, such as difficulty sleeping, aggression, or even wandering.
Take steps to reduce your risk of falls. People with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia have an increased risk of injuries resulting from falls and are three times more likely than others to have preventable hospitalizations. By eliminating clutter throughout your home and creating clear paths for walking, removing potential hazards such as throw rugs and cords stretched across rooms or hallways, and installing banisters and grab bars in high risk areas such as stairways and bathrooms, you can greatly reduce your risk of suffering a serious injury from a fall.
Take care of your most challenging tasks during the time of day when you typically feel your best. Some individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease feel best in the afternoon, for example, while others are most alert first thing in the morning. Use your body’s natural energy patterns to your advantage and do the things that are most difficult when your mental alertness is at its peak.
If certain tasks are still challenging, plan to take breaks instead of working through a complex task from start to finish. Don’t be afraid to ask your loved ones or caregivers for help. If you’re not functioning at your best first thing in the morning and find it difficult to choose an outfit for the day, ask your spouse or caregiver to select an outfit and lay it out for you the evening before, so you don’t have to spend time becoming frustrated over something that can easily be addressed.
Good news: If you are prepared to approach your daily tasks with a bit of patience and in a relaxed state of mind, you may be able to carry out your typical day-to-day activities with relative ease for quite some time. While there’s no set time frame for the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, by following these steps, you can make the most of today and continue living your life as you always have for as long as possible.
Addendum from Dr. Colin: If you need support from members of your family and they have difficulty talking with each other, you may ask them to hire a family mediator to facilitate the family’s discussions about how best to help you.
