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If
you know someone with Alzheimer's disease, this information
may help you understand the illness.
Some
facts
- Alzheimer's disease kills brain cells, causing them to
shrink or die. When people have this disease,
they forget how to do familiar things, they don't
recognize the people they love, they have difficulty
understanding a conversation or they may act in an
unusual manner, for example, pacing around a room.
These changes occur over many years and get worse
over time. These actions are not their fault. Alzheimer's disease makes people act in this way.
- Right
now, no one knows what causes Alzheimer's disease and
there is no cure. There are drugs that can help
with some of the symptoms of the disease so people
are less anxious and can maintain their independence
for a longer period of time. But, eventually individuals
will lose many of their abilities and will need to
rely upon others to take care of them.
- Alzheimer's disease was named after a scientist called Dr. Alois
Alzheimer who discovered the disease around 1906. It
usually affects people who are over 65 years old.
But occasionally the disease affects people who are
younger than that, for example, in their 40s and
50s. Both men and women can get the disease, but
not young people. As the population ages, you will
probably know more people who are getting Alzheimer's disease. It also means more people are caring for
someone with the disease.
Can
you imagine?
It
is probably difficult to imagine what it would be like
to lose part of yourself. Some of the situations in Teen's
Reality may apply to you. Some of the situations
in Alzheimer Reality apply to people with Alzheimer's disease. Match them up to try to imagine what effect
Alzheimer's disease may have on someone.
| Teen's
Reality |
Alzheimer
Reality |
- Getting
a driver's licence
- Leaving
home for your own apartment
- Finding
that special someone in your life
- Doing
your homework or studying at university
- Trying
the latest fashion trend
- Doing
your laundry and making your own meals
- Being
among friends who understand what you are going
through
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- Not
recognizing your husband or wife of 50 years
- Not
understanding what you read in the newspaper
- Having
your driver's licence taken away because you
confuse the gas pedal with the brake
- Forgetting
where you live and getting lost in your neighbourhood
- Forgetting
how to work the washing machine and stove, putting
your clothes on inside out
- Forgetting
how to tie your shoes
- Feeling
alone among strangers and not knowing what to
do
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If
you were the person with Alzheimer's disease, what are
some feelings you might experience? (Refer to list
of emotions at bottom of page.)
Is
Alzheimer's disease affecting your life?
If
your mom or dad is caring for a grandparent, you have
probably noticed some changes. They may be very busy
with work, home and caring for your grandparent. You
may notice that your parents are tired, impatient or
don't have enough time for you. They may ask you to help
out.
You
may have many feelings about this, such as resenting
the demands on your time, being uneasy about having friends
over, or feeling helpless because you don't know what
to do. First of all, if this is happening to you, talk
to your parents, teacher or an adult you trust about
how you are feeling. Second, contact the Alzheimer
Society to get help and to learn more about the disease.
One example of coping with your feelings is to keep a
journal.
Even
though your grandparent may not be able to do many things,
some of his/her abilities and interests will remain.
You may be surprised how much you can help.
Here
are a few examples. Let's say, your grandfather has Alzheimer's disease. If your grandfather liked to listen to music,
you can share your favourite artist's CD. If he liked
to garden, he may enjoy helping you with yard work. Perhaps
your grandfather played sports. He probably would enjoy
your company on a regular walking program after school.
Or, maybe the two of you could wash the car.
Caring
for someone with Alzheimer's disease is not easy. Some
days will be frustrating and other days will be better.
Do the best you can. Remember, when you spend time with
the individual in a meaningful way, he/she will always
feel your love.
Make
a personal biography: Become a Journalist
Your
grandparent will remember things from his/her past; why
not interview your grandmother or grandfather on what
it was like to be a teen? Tape the interview and write
up a personal biography to share with other family members.
- Who
was your best friend?
- What
did you do after school?
- Did
you have a part-time job?
- What
chores did you do around the house?
- What
kind of clothes did you wear?
Additional
resources
Contact
your local Alzheimer Society.
Video
- Just
for the Summer
Churchill Films, Los Angeles, CA
(213)207-6600, 29 mins.
Philip,
a high school track star, must come to terms with Alzheimer's disease when his grandmother comes to live with him
and his parents "just for the summer" --
until she's better. But for Gram, who has Alzheimer's disease, the summer will never end and she will only
get worse. Philip frequently misses track practice
to care for her, but he's too embarrassed to talk about
it to his friends, who begin to shun him. Only in remembering
Gram as she used to be can Philip's anger, shame and
helplessness subside, and understanding emerge.
Books
- Daughter
Ishbel Moore, Kids Can Press, Toronto, 1999, ISBN
1-55074-535-2
- Coping
When a Grandparent has Alzheimer's Disease
Beth Wilinson, 1995, ISBN 0823919451
- Understanding
Dementia: A Guide for Young Carers
Kate Fearnley, 1996, ISBN 1873452861
Emotions: scared,
lonely, angry, silly, embarrassed, frustrated, confused,
useless, worried, terrible, alone, sad
[This
information is also available in a brochure from your local
Alzheimer Society or you can download
the brochure from this site.]
Visit Just 4 Kids, a section of the Alzheimer Society Of Saskatchewan website where kids can have fun and learn all about Alzheimer's disease at the same time. The DoRIGHTERS have a family member with Alzheimer's disease and they don't know what to do. Kids can help them learn to DoRIGHT by working through activities with them.
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