“Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is a situation that can utterly consume the lives and well-being of the people giving care, just as the disorder consumes its victims.”—Leeza Gibbons
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Filipinos’ awareness of Alzheimer’s disease largely stems from its portrayal in films and television shows. In the series The Greatest Love, Sylvia Sanchez portrays Gloria, a grandmother experiencing the decline of her mental faculties due to Alzheimer’s.
The film Ikaw At Ako features a couple – portrayed by Ronaldo Valdez and Boots Anson Roa – confronts the challenges posed by the disease. Additionally, in Tanging Yaman, three siblings come together to support their ailing mother afflicted by Alzheimer’s.
In an interview with Philippine Star, Boots emphasizes that gaining knowledge about Alzheimer’s can significantly reduce the anxiety and fear linked to the disease. She believes that a deeper understanding of the condition facilitates better preparation and encourages proactive strategies.
“I believe that by educating ourselves and increasing our knowledge about Alzheimer’s, we can alleviate the concerns and anxiety that the disease may provoke. Often, it is the unknown that instills fear,” Boots explained.
“By studying the condition, we can recognize the potential dangers and challenges, allowing us to prepare accordingly. While Alzheimer’s is undoubtedly a serious illness, it is possible to slow its progression or delay its onset by maintaining mental, physical, and even spiritual activity,” she added.
Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder, is more common among the elderly. “Alzheimer’s occurs very rarely among those 40-50 years old, increases between 60 and 65, and is very common over 80,” says Dr. Simeon Maragisan, a professor at the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of Santo Tomas.
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic condition that necessitates significant care and affection from family members. Caring for an individual with this illness can be both challenging and stressful, as noted by Dr. Miguel A. Ramos, Jr., the former director of the geriatric center at St. Luke’s Medical Center.
“People with Alzheimer’s have difficulty in recognizing relatives, friends and even themselves when facing a mirror,” Dr. Ramos explained. “They have difficulty understanding and interpreting events, have difficulty walking and finding their way around the house.
“They also would have bladder and bowel incontinence and therefore personal hygiene is a challenge for anyone taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient. They also have inappropriate behavior in public or just plain combative and aggressive to the caregiver or loved ones. Or they may be passive and confine themselves to a wheelchair or bed,” he continued.
Actually, Alzheimer’s disease has two victims: the patient and the caregiver. In most cases, Alzheimer’s is more agonizing for the caregiver than for the patient. It is not only physically demanding but also emotionally draining. In most instances, a caregiver experiences stress which usually manifests through denial, anger, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, sleeplessness, irritability and lack of concentration.
Studies done in the United States found that caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients – compared to other people their age – have 70% more physician visits, are 50% more likely to suffer depression, and use 40% more medications.
Someone (probably a doctor who has several patients with Alzheimer’s disease) wrote a piece on how loved ones with the disease treat them. I don’t know who the real author is but the piece is being circulated in the social media. He assumed that he has Alzheimer’s disease and wanted them to bear in mind these things:
I want my friends and family to embrace my reality. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier about it. Don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.
If I get Alzheimer’s, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me. If I can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.
If I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded. I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.
I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends. Ask me to tell you a story from my past.
If I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me. Treat me the way that you would want to be treated.
Make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have Alzheimer’s, I may have trouble explaining what I need.
Don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room. Don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you or choose a great new place for me to live.
Don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault. Make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot. I like to pick up items and carry them around to help me return those items to their original place.
Don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings. Know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes. Remember that I am still the person you know and love.
