Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 7 million people in the U.S., and by 2050, it’s expected that number will rise to 13 million. If your friend is among them, it can be incredibly challenging to maintain your bond as the disease progresses. Watching someone you care about struggle with memory loss and cognitive decline is difficult, but there are ways to stay connected and provide meaningful support.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a progressive condition that gradually damages memory and cognitive abilities. Early symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty finding the right words, and trouble with reasoning. As the disease advances, it can interfere with basic daily tasks such as driving, cooking, or managing finances. People with Alzheimer’s may misplace items, repeatedly ask the same questions, or show changes in their behavior and mood, sometimes becoming anxious or irritable. Eventually, they may lose the ability to carry out even the simplest activities.
How to Help a Friend with Alzheimer’s
If your friend has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, navigating the changes in your relationship can be tough. The key to staying connected is understanding the disease and offering support in ways that respect their needs and limitations.
In honor of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month—and Bankers Life’s 23rd annual Forget Me Not Days® fundraising campaign—consider these five ways to support a friend with Alzheimer’s.
1. Educate Yourself About Alzheimer’s
Understanding what your friend is going through is the first step toward offering meaningful help. Research the disease and explore resources such as those provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s also important to talk to others who know your friend, so you’re all on the same page about how to best support them. Be aware of the common signs and symptoms, such as confusion, memory loss, and personality changes, so you can respond appropriately when they arise.
2. Help Create a Dementia Care Plan
If your friend’s family lives far away, consider discussing a dementia care plan with them. You could offer assistance with things like organizing medications, scheduling home safety evaluations, or exploring options for long-term care as the disease progresses. By helping with practical tasks, you can provide invaluable support during a challenging time. Additionally, offer to help your friend with daily activities, such as making to-do lists, taking walks together, or relieving their full-time caregiver by spending time with them.
Related: Preserving Wealth and Dignity: Long-Term Care Planning for Seniors
3. Suggest Enjoyable Activities
Even as Alzheimer’s changes the way your friend interacts with the world, there are still ways to enjoy each other’s company. Some activities can be easily adapted to suit their current needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Create a Memory Book: Flip through old photos and reminisce about the past. Creating a scrapbook together can spark meaningful conversations and help preserve their memories.
- Gardening or Watering Plants: If your friend enjoys nature, tending to plants or a garden can be a calming and rewarding activity.
- Listen to Music: Play their favorite songs or music from their past. Studies have shown that music can have a positive impact on mood and behavior for people with Alzheimer’s.
- Watch Favorite Movies or Shows: Even if they can’t remember everything, revisiting old favorites can bring comfort and joy.
- Engage in Arts and Crafts: Doing simple creative projects like painting or drawing can be both fun and therapeutic.
- Spend Time with Pets: If your friend has a pet, offer to help take care of it. Many people with Alzheimer’s benefit from the emotional connection with animals.
- Cook Together: Prepare a simple meal together, which can be both satisfying and comforting.
- Write Cards or Letters: Help them reconnect with friends and family by writing cards or letters.
4. Be Patient and Flexible
It’s important to be patient as Alzheimer’s affects your friend’s ability to communicate and enjoy activities. If they become frustrated or lose interest in an activity, try something else. The goal is to engage them in ways that boost their mood and give them a sense of purpose. Simple, meaningful tasks can provide comfort and help them feel valued.
When talking with a friend who has Alzheimer’s, use simple language, give clear instructions, and allow plenty of time for them to respond. Avoid interrupting and never speak to them in a babyish tone. Continue to treat them with respect, warmth, and kindness. They are still the same person you’ve always known, even if they may not always remember you.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Supporting a friend with Alzheimer’s can be emotionally and physically draining. Be sure to take time for yourself and seek support when needed. Caregiver burnout is real, and it’s important to maintain your own well-being so you can continue to be there for your friend.
Staying Connected Despite the Disease
Alzheimer’s may change the way your friend relates to you, but the bond you share is still valuable. Even if your friend can no longer recognize you, continue to remind them that they are loved, known, and cherished. By staying informed, offering practical help, and focusing on meaningful activities, you can continue to strengthen your friendship during this challenging time.
Planting Seeds of Hope
At Bankers Life, we see firsthand the impact that Alzheimer’s and all other dementia have on our customers, their families and their caregivers.
That’s why we established Bankers Life Forget Me Not Days®, our nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association®. Since 2003, CNO Financial Group and Bankers Life have helped raise over $7.8 million for the Alzheimer’s Association through the Forget Me Not Days campaign and corporate donations.
We’re Here for You
Bankers Life is here to help customers with their financial and insurance needs so please visit us at BankersLife.com to learn more.
Want more? Please read our blog, How ZIP Code Impacts Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: 3 Ways to Take Control of Your Cognitive Health and Future
