Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be incredibly challenging. Every day tasks become difficult, memories become foggy, and confusion becomes the norm for many people suffering from this disease.
For carers, family members or friends, there is nothing worse than seeing your loved one succumb to such an illness.
However, with a structured approach to helping them, it is very possible to help your loved one stay connected, feel supported and maintain a decent quality of life.
Exploring ways that you can help your loved one, whether obvious or not, will hopefully help you care for them appropriately and reassure you on how you can show up for them.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Before we highlight some ways you can help a loved one or close friend who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, it is worth briefly going over what exactly it is.
Essentially, Alzheimer’s is a broad term used to describe a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and behaviour.
It often progresses over time and interferes with a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, remain connected with others, or even manage their emotions.
While Alzheimer’s mostly affects older adults, it’s not a normal part of ageing. Early signs to look out for include forgetfulness, confusion, or personality changes. So, it’s important to seek medical advice if you notice these symptoms in a loved one.
How to help someone with Alzheimer’s Disease
Now that you know what Alzheimer’s is, here are some ways you can help someone close to you who is suffering from it.
1. Think about using supplements to alleviate symptoms
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, there are a few tools you can use to support brain health.
One option is to give them a scientifically created Alzheimer’s supplement like Souvenaid, which contains nutrients that are designed to support memory function in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
The LipiDiDiet multinutrient clinical trial in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease found that Souvenaid has been proven to slow cognitive and memory decline by 60% in an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, when taken every day over three years.
That said, it’s important to have a chat with your GP or a specialist before trying this or any supplement, just to make sure it is a suitable option.
2. Keep the Environment Calm and Familiar
People living with Alzheimer’s often feel overwhelmed in noisy or cluttered spaces. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep their surroundings peaceful and predictable.
That might mean sticking to a daily routine, reducing background noise like TV or radio, and making sure lighting is soft, especially in the evenings.
Additionally, familiarity builds confidence. So, try to keep furniture in the same place, display comforting objects like family photos, and avoid unnecessary changes to the home setup.
3. Speak Clearly and Gently
It’s easy to misunderstand how confusing everyday conversations can become when Alzheimer’s progresses.
For this reason, it is important to keep your language simple, use short sentences, and speak slowly and clearly, without talking to them like a child.
When you are speaking with them, always make eye contact as this helps build trust and keep them in the moment.
4. Support Their Independence
Many people assume they need to “take over” once a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But that can do more harm than good.
Instead, you should take a supporting role to their independence, which, in turn, will preserve their dignity and confidence.
For example, let them dress themselves if they still can and encourage them to pick, or cook their meals. However, if you find that tasks are becoming harder for them to achieve, use tools like large-print labels, talking clocks, or colour-coded drawers to make things easier without doing everything for them.
5. Help Them Stay Social
Alzheimer’s can feel incredibly isolating, not just for the person living with it, but for the whole family. For this reason, keeping them socially engaged can make a world of difference.
You don’t need to plan big outings. It can be as simple as a regular cuppa with a neighbour, joining a local Alzheimer-friendly walking group, or taking them along to community events, even if they just watch from the sidelines.
If they are open to this, just be aware of the potential for overstimulation. Busy, noisy environments can cause sufferers significant distress, so keep things as relaxed and familiar as possible.
6. Encourage Gentle Movement
Regular physical activity can help with an Alzheimer’s sufferer’s mood, sleep, circulation, and even memory. So, it is a good idea to get your loved one moving now and then.
It doesn’t have to be an intense workout. A short walk around the block, some light gardening, or gentle chair exercises can all make a difference in brain health.
Just giving them a nudge to keep moving and do something can offer bucket loads of help in their health and motivation.
Regular movement can reduce restlessness, especially during the early evening when “sundowning” behaviour may emerge. The key is to find something they like doing, such as dancing, yoga, or swimming, as they should still feel familiar with it.
7. Take Care of Yourself
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is emotionally and physically draining. So, this might be the most crucial tip of all. If you’re not looking after your own wellbeing, you won’t be able to give your loved one the support they need.
It is a good idea to look for your own support, whether that’s joining a local caregiver support group, talking to a therapist, or simply taking regular breaks for self-care.
It is important to realise that you’re not alone. Across Australia, there are thousands of carers going through the same journey.
So, don’t be afraid to reach out, share your story, and ask for help. Doing so is just as essential for you as it is for your Alzheimer’s suffering loved one.
