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On July 30, 2019, my mom passed away after an 8 year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. I watched her go from a smart, loving, out-going person who loved to read, have lunch and shop with her girlfriends to being unable to independently eat or speak coherently. While I lost my mom in 2019, my grieving started long before her death. From the time my father passed in 2009, my mom lived with my husband and myself. We were so very excited for this as she and I had many plans of doing so many things. And we did, in the beginning. Mom loved to go to the casinos. She could play a machine for hours and we’d take an overnight trip often. Or she would fly or we would drive out to Philadelphia to visit her family or go to FL to see my sister. Reading was a passion of mom’s. She could start a novel and read all night just to get it finished and start the next. She loved to clean and kept a home that was beyond immaculate. Over time, all of this stopped. I noticed after my dad died, mom changed. I couldn’t explain it to my family and friends, she was just different. While mom would repeat things often, her memory was just not there. People would tell me she was mourning the love of her life and couldn’t get over it, “give it time” they all said. Slowly, she was gone. There are many people that have life events that loved ones miss because of death. Alzheimers is a disease that robs people of those events long before death. Although we still included mom in everything possible, it became difficult. In 2016 my daughter was getting married. She was good that day, until the evening. Sundowners was horrible for mom. We could set our clocks and know when it was 4p without ever looking as her demeanor changed like flipping a light switch. That year was the year (September 2016) I had to make the decision to put mom into a nursing home. The previous year was particularly hard as I had a bout with cancer. Mom was starting to roam at night, falls were becoming more frequent, and the incontinence was beyond my control. Something had to give. We held on as long as we could, and while the transition was smooth, this killed me little by little. I promised my dad I’d take care of her and now I’m feeling like I have failed both of them. In the facility mom would attempt to direct people. In the beginning she would go room to room shutting off lights. She would also go behind the nurses station to ‘straighten things out’ or to ‘clean the floor’ (getting down on her hands and knees with a rag). My mom was one of 13 children. She was the second oldest and the first to be diagnosed with Alzheimers. While there have been siblings that she lost, none were to Alzheimers. In recent years one of her brothers, now 85, is experiencing signs. This will be my 4th year walking in the Peoria Walk to End Alzheimers. My mom was very aware of Alzheimers and the walk as her best friend’s husband was diagnosed in his 60’s. She supported the cause and found it to be so very sad. In 2017 mom was going to walk/be pushed in the walk. Her day was extremely bad and there was no soothing her, it broke my heart. We had a great turnout and we walked in her honor, including girls from the nursing home that cared for her. To hear the word Alzheimer’s doesn’t always resonate like other words/diseases do. If you hear the word stroke, you may think of rehabilitation or the inability of doing something, but not death. Cancer, that person could die or with treatment they could be saved. When someone tells you a member of their family has Alzheimer’s most people don’t think of death. NOT true! Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will not take that life, but the complications of the disease will. In my mom’s case her body started to break down and she passed away from a bowel obstruction as she could not have it repaired, she would not have survived the procedure. Over 8 years she lost her sense of trust becoming paranoid, she lost her ability to recognize where she was or who we were. She could not recognize words and could not read. People do not understand what a slow, horrifying process Alzheimer’s is for both the person with the disease and the family. For years I walked in the Susan G Komen fight for breast cancer and would become emotional when seeing all the pink. However, until I experienced it first hand with my dad having breast cancer and carrying a banner for mens breast cancer awareness, I hadn’t experienced it on that emotional level. It is the same with Alzheimer’s. I heard about others, saw it from a distance, yet until I experienced it first hand it did not have the impact as it did when it affected our family. At some point you will be affected by this horrible disease. In walking I have carried an orange flower to show support, a blue and yellow flower showing I lived with and cared for someone and for the second year I will carry a purple flower for the loss of my mom. My heart cries often for my mom. I hold her laughter and memory in my heart and pray daily that one day I will see a white flower held high, knowing that no family will ever again have to walk the path our family has and that there would be a survivor among the crowd! This is why I walk …

Grandma Attig was always fun to be around and always busy doing something. She had a very bright smile and great laugh that was infectious.  She loved sewing, quilting, reading and was still active outside and mowing the yard with the help of one of her many granddaughters!  I remember when she started “being forgetful” but we all thought it was just part of aging.  A couple years down the road she would be at home and had become very paranoid that someone was out to get her.  Seeing someone you love acting this way and going through that is not easy to deal with.  We didn’t know how to help Grandma and my Grandpa was still caring for her at home and I know it just broke his heart seeing her like that.   She eventually had to go to a nursing home to get the care she needed. She was there almost 7 years before passing in December 2016. I remember visiting her when I was home. She couldn’t speak to me but I held her hand and talked to her. My kids would come with me and would tell her what they had been up to. I remember the nurses telling me that she lit up when she heard Grandpa’s voice. He would go in every Sunday and visit with her as well. This is why I walk.  My family hadn’t dealt with Alzheimer’s before this and didn’t know of all the resources out there to help the patient as well as the family and caretakers.  I think it’s important for people to have resources available and know where they can go to get them.  By walking, everyone involved helps to spread that word and raise awareness.  I have also done my best to raise funds each year to aid in the care and research of the disease.  My kids and family understand the importance as well and all pitch in to help with bake sales, waiting tables and other activities to raise funds for our team each year. To honor my Grandma Phyllis Attig, I have carried on her quilting tradition and have made a unique and somewhat original quilt for the last 4 years that I raffle off. This year so far, I have raised over $1300 with the quilt. Each year, some of her fabric is used in it so it has a very special meaning to me. My family, friends and coworkers have been great supporters of me in all that I have done, which in turn helps spread the word about Alzheimer’s. I hope that there is a first survivor in my lifetime and that is what I work towards.

Dave Myers, an avid traveler and motorcyclist, was first introduced to the Alzheimer’s Association when his wife, Cheryl, was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s in 2012 at the age of 47. Dave spent the next seven years as Cheryl’s primary caregiver until her passing in April of 2019. Since then, his commitment to volunteering at the Alzheimer’s Association has been driven by the need to help others and share his story. Dave has volunteered his time on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s planning committee, he conducts several programs and webinars as a community educator and also now sits on the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Board of Directors. Teaching others about Alzheimer’s disease and sharing his first-hand experiences with Cheryl has become his personal form of therapy. When asked why volunteering is so important to him, Dave said: “I have gotten through the last year by opening myself to others. There is something in providing hope, information, courage, empathy or just an ear to listen that helps you make it through the tough days.” Getting involved with the Alzheimer’s Association has also allowed Dave to “feel like he’s part of something bigger”. He is using what he learned on his Alzheimer’s journey to educate others and to let people know that they are never alone. Thank you, Dave, for everything you do to in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just over a year ago. That being said, it was a long and painful journey before doctors reached that conclusion. It started years ago with a diagnosis of Essential Tremor. That didn’t seem so bad. I was told by doctors many people live with ET. Serving in a very public role as a pastor I was able to mask the ET symptoms through the use of medications. However, after symptoms worsened and after seeing many specialists, the diagnosis changed from ET to Parkinson’s. Well, that seemed worse than ET but I knew of many people who have lived with Parkinson – Michael J. Fox came to mind. Then one Sunday afternoon my wife, Wendy, and I decided to get some steps in. It was a cold December afternoon so we went to the mall. After a few minutes of walking, I turned to Wendy asking, “Where are we?” “Where is our car” and “How do we get out of here?” We returned to my doctor who ordered extensive testing. In December of 2018, I was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. I was strongly advised by doctors to leave my job, “sooner rather than later.” Wendy and I were shocked! Life had changed abruptly in many ways. Serving as a pastor and receiving the diagnosis just weeks prior to Christmas, I chose not to share the diagnosis with the congregation. I did share the diagnosis with a few people in my church leadership and family. I asked that they keep it to themselves until after Christmas. I was determined to celebrate Christmas that year the best that I was able. After many tests and doctor visits, the Lewy Body diagnosis was changed to Alzheimer’s. Telling family, friends and hundreds in the congregation was difficult at best. Reactions ranged from denial to the “doctors have it all wrong,” to “Oh-we all forget things.” That being said, the overwhelming response was one of love, support and overall caring. For that I am grateful.   Alzheimer’s is not a disease that can be clearly diagnosed by doctors such as heart diseases or cancer, leaving patients and family members often frustrated and confused. Recently I asked my doctor, “Which was worse. Lewy Body or Alzheimer’s?” He looked at me and answered in four words, “You don’t want either.”   For many getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Lewy Body Dementia is filled with ups and downs, highs and lows… like a rollercoaster ride that I would just as soon get off of. This is why we need continued research into Bio Markers that will allow doctors a quick and accurate diagnosis of these terrible diseases. I resigned from my call to serve as pastor of a very active congregation. I loved my job, I loved the people I worked with and the people I served. Life changed abruptly. It changed from busy days and busy nights to finding ways to keep busy and useful. Shortly after leaving work a friend called me and asked if we could have coffee. That’s when it became all too real. A calendar once full of day and night appointments now was empty except for doctor appointments. Alzheimer’s disease is a thief. It steals bodies and minds, but that’s not all. Alzheimer’s also steals identities. It steals the identities of pastors, parents, office workers, teachers, construction workers – people of all vocations. When we lose their gifts and their contributions to society, that hurts us all. Shortly after relocating to be closer to family, Wendy and I took a drive. There on Golden Oaks Drive in Springfield, IL I noticed a sign for the Alzheimer’s Association. A few weeks later I pulled in the driveway and found the courage to enter the office. Here’s what I found. Two caring staff members who sat down with me and really listened to my story. Staff who provided resources. Resources like: A 24/7 phone support line A monthly phone support group (which has now gone to Zoom) and an outstanding leader of Alzheimer’s patients from throughout the state A monthly group (now also on Zoom) meeting for caregivers and Alzheimer’s patients supported by the Alzheimer’s Association and Southern IL University School of Medicine The offer to be supported by Care Navigators who help with decisions after one is diagnosed. In conclusion, the day I pulled in that driveway, I found people who really care. People who return phone calls, most of the time in less than 24 hours, and people who offer love and support. That is why I walk. – Tom

I support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s because as a caregiver I have learned a lot from the association and want to see more public awareness and education about dementia. If I had to share just one important word about caring for someone you love with dementia, it would be patience. Patience is not a virtue I possessed prior to this and now realize that it is not something you miraculously acquire when placed into a situation like this. So it is a daily conscious effort to learn to be more patient. And the most important thing that I’ve learned since my husband’s early-onset diagnosis is that I knew nothing about dementia. Even though I had worked in healthcare for years, what I thought I knew about the disease as an outsider is very different from the reality of living through it.  Some of my noteworthy misconceptions were that it is a disease for the elderly, when in fact there has been a significant increase in the diagnosis for persons under age 65. I also thought that the disease is primarily forgetfulness when in reality it actually affects the patients thinking, behavior and feelings which makes communication more difficult.  Not only the disease but getting to a diagnosis is a journey. A journey with an elusive and ever-changing destination. Although Tom currently has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia, there is a great deal of uncertainty as to when it actually began. We have gone to multiple doctors to get assessments and received various diagnoses including essential tremors, potential Parkinson’s and Mild Cognitive Impairment. In December 2018 a Neuropsychologist presented a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia. Although this diagnosis was difficult to hear, I have to admit that I had a suspicion of this from the reading I had done related to his prior testing and his presentation. Her certainty in this diagnosis and her sense of urgency for Tom to swiftly disengage from work also came as quite a shock to us and prompted us to make some rather quick decisions. Considering Tom’s profession as a Pastor and the time of year, just two weeks before Christmas, we kept the news to immediate family. Then after the holidays, we began a plan to leave active ministry at his church by the end of January. For us being publicly open about the diagnosis was appropriate, because we did not want to leave Tom’s parishioners wondering what happened if he left suddenly without a reason.  There was mixed reaction to the news including sadness, questioners and doubters. But mostly a lot of love and support. Although finally hearing a healthcare professional be specific about a diagnosis was something we had searched for, now there were many more questions than answers. I must say that I saw, especially at the beginning, improvement in Tom’s overall health after leaving the daily stressors of full-time ministry. One of the most difficult things for me to watch was how sometimes he was treated poorly by others. I could see that he was slowing down and tasks once easily accomplished were now more time consuming and challenging. But to others who were unaware of his changing condition, this behavior leads to negative commentary and impatience from others. This is something that I fear will continue to happen as time progresses, with people that are not close to us, and it breaks my heart. As with all things that happen both good and bad, life goes on and we do not get to select the timing. But God is good and there is always something to be grateful for. For us, it came in the form of becoming first-time grandparents just two days before Tom’s last Sunday sermon at the congregation he served. That was a great motivator for staying strong! It has now been nearly two years since that diagnosis and many years searching and the journey is still a winding road with an indecipherable map. The doctors continue routine monitoring and testing of his physical and mental status, and medication adjustments as indicated. There are great days and tough days, and with the complication of the current COVID quarantine, we try to find new ways to stay active. We are still active in church, in our new hometown close to our adorable granddaughter. Tom continues to use his speaking gifts to talk about Alzheimer’s at various group meetings in the community. And has had the opportunity to stay in touch with some of his ministry colleagues. I believe staying connected to what he enjoys is very fulfilling for him and beneficial to keeping healthy. We continue to read and participate in support groups with the hopes of learning more and being able to cope with whatever lies ahead. The work at the Alzheimer’s Association is an important part of ongoing research and public awareness which will help to find a cure for this devastating disease. Please participate and please give. -Wendy

While some extra safety precautions are necessary to enjoy the summer weather, don’t let that stop you from getting your loved one outside to enjoy the season. Below are some tips to help keep a loved one with Alzheimer’s safe this summer. • Limit sun exposure. Place lawn chairs in shaded areas. Stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Encourage your loved one to wear a hat and sunglasses. • Apply sunscreen regularly. An individual with Alzheimer’s may not remember to put on sunscreen, so be sure to remind your loved to apply and reapply sunscreen when outside for long periods of time.  • Stay hydrated. During the summer it is especially important to drink lots of fluids. Keep a cool glass of water within arm’s reach as a reminder. Add a flavor to the water to make is more interesting and tasty. Provide non-alcoholic beer or lemonade for backyard BBQs.  • Dress appropriately. Decision making may be increasingly difficult so dressing for hot days can be hard. Put away winter clothes, boots, gloves and hats, and replace them with just one or two choices of shirts, pants or shorts/skirts, a hat with a large brim and a light jacket or sweater. • Avoid loud noises and crowds. Both loud noises and crowds can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Consider watching fireworks from your home or in the quiet of the car; picnic on a weekday or early in the day on a weekend when crowds are lighter. • Be watchful around fire and water. It’s best to have any home pools protected by a fence but keep a watchful eye on any seniors who may wander to prevent an accident. Do not allow an individual with Alzheimer’s disease to swim unsupervised. Also, never allow unsupervised access to fire pits, and the hot surfaces of BBQ grills or campfires. • Plan Ahead. Consider simplifying travel plans or traveling to a familiar destination. Most airlines offer companion programs for those traveling with special needs. That way you can be assured a loved one has arrived safely or made a connection without any problems. Alzheimer’s Association’s Tips to Prevent Wandering: Carry out daily activities: Having a routine can provide structure. Consider creating a daily plan. Night wandering: Restrict fluids two hours before bedtime and ensure the person has gone to the bathroom just before bed. Also, use night lights throughout the home or facility. Locks: Place out of sight. Install slide bolts at the top or bottom of doors. Doors and doorknobs: Camouflage doors by painting them the same colors as the walls. Cover them with removable curtains or screens. Cover knobs with cloth in the color of the door or use childproof knobs. Monitoring devices: Try devices that signal when a door or window is opened. Place a pressure-sensitive mat at the door or bedside to alert of movement. Secure trigger items: Some people will not go out without a coat, hat, pocketbook, keys, wallet, etc. Making these items unavailable can prevent wandering. Safe Summer Activities for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia Go for a bike ride Go for a walk Plant flowers Have a picnic Travel Go to the beach Have a yard sale Visit a local farmer’s market Go to an outdoor movie Create art outside Build a lemonade stand Make a bird feeder

Introducing the Games for ALZ Challenge! You can use one of those games you’ve been playing during quarantine to virtually raise money for Alzheimer’s care and research. The Challenge: help us cover our fundraiser bingo card! Anyone who signs up for a game fundraiser before June 20 will be entered to win a Domino’s Pizza gift card for your next family game night. 1) Pick your favorite game to use during your fundraiser from the card below. Each one can be set up in less than 10 minutes! 2) Sign up for The Longest Day at alz.org/tld. 3) Email oltuck@alz.org for a customized guide for your game’s fundraiser. 4) Host your virtual game fundraiser!

Betsy Skibinski is a resident of Palatine, Illinois and an active member of the Lost Souls team for our Northwest Suburban Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Betsy lost her mother to Alzheimer’s after a twelve-year fight against the disease, inspiring her collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association. Betsy has two adult sons and six grandchildren who she loves very dearly. Retired from teaching English, Drama and Speech and then corporate sales, she currently designs costume jewelry in her private, 1000 square foot studio. From necklaces to bracelets and earrings, Betsy has “never met a bead she didn’t like”. You can see Betsy’s work on Etsy . Betsy’s mother, Jeanie Gibbs was an active member of her community in both Rockford, Illinois and Sun City West, Arizona. In Rockford, she was the head of the Pink Ladies volunteer group at the Rockford Memorial Hospital. Upon moving to Sun City West, she became involved with the Lioness Group and many other community associations. Jeanie was an avid lover of fashion and jewelry, boasting a shoe collection of over 300 pairs. She hosted parties at her apartment in Sun City West and remained a central and unifying member of her community for years before her diagnosis. Betsy began to notice a change when her mother started struggling with balance. She would lose her stability when using the stairs or stepping off a curb. Because her family didn’t know much about Alzheimer’s, they did not realize the source of the problem. After Betsy’s father passed away, she began calling and visiting Jeanie more frequently, as they lived in different cities. She began to notice changes in her mother’s behavior. Jeanie would insist upon putting away Betsy’s car keys and purse in places where Betsy couldn’t find them. She poured herself a glass of orange soap thinking it was orange juice. Betsy learned that her mother’s assisted living dinner mates didn’t want to sit with her any longer due to her repetition of words and stories. Upon visiting her doctor, she was originally diagnosed with cognitive impairment. The doctor told them to be patient, as the disease would progress. Betsy was forced to take away her mother’s keys, and moved her into a care center, across from her former apartment. In her new home, Jeanie began sitting by the door and waiting for someone to enter so she could sneak out. Betsy had to maintain constant communication with the day and night staff so that she could monitor her mother’s movements and activities. Betsy was heartbroken when the time came when Jeanie no longer recognized her. As her Alzheimer’s progressed, she just stopped speaking. Betsy was in Sun City visiting when Alzheimer’s finally took her mother’s life. “Although it was a long process, I loved my mom so much, and I know in my heart I did the very best I could.” Betsy’s experience inspired her to become involved with the Northwest Suburban Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She’s hosted fundraisers and designed and sold bracelets to support her Lost Soul’s walk team. As a part of the Lost Souls walk committee, Betsy travels as a mentor to Rotary Clubs, Knights of Columbus, Lion’s Clubs, and various retirement homes to educate and fundraise for the cause. “I find it very rewarding to create this awareness by talking about my mom’s journey, and sharing a book called “My Mom”, that my mom and I had created together with my mom’s personal likes and photos of the family.” In her sixth year as an active member of Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Betsy continues her work supporting the Lost Souls team and contributing to the fight to end Alzheimer’s. “A big thank you to the Alzheimer’s Association for the care and support to aid the families, as caregiving is a daunting task.”

While there are noticeable changes that can be related to the onset of Alzheimer’s or other dementia, there are also typical age-related changes that can be misconstrued for dementia. It is important to understand which changes call for extra attention, and which are to be expected. Some causes of dementia-like symptoms include Lyme disease, sleep apnea, depression, side effects of medications, thyroid problems, delirium, vitamin deficiencies and excessive alcohol consumption. These problems may be reversed with treatment, unlike Alzheimer’s disease. Typical age-related changes in memory/behavior: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remember them later. Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook. Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or record a television show. Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later Vision changes related to cataracts, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration. Sometimes having trouble finding the right word. Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them. Making a bad decision once in a while. Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations. Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted. These changes are common as a person ages and are not always cause for concern or extra attention. Some memory loss and changes in behavior are to be expected. There are some shifts in conduct, however, that may be more notable than the typical changes listed above. Signs of Alzheimer’s or other dementias include: Memory loss that disrupts daily life. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. Confusion with time or place. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. New problems with words in speaking or writing. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. Decreased or poor judgment. Withdrawal from work or social activities. Changes in mood and personality. Understanding the difference is important, that’s why here at the Alzheimer’s Association we are committed to always bringing you the facts. If you have questions or concerns, our helpline is available 24/7 at 800-272-3900. #doctor #Alzheimers #resource #aging #dementia

Shelter-in-place can be difficult to navigate for the 230,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in Illinois. Aside from the concerns of wandering, keeping occupied and entertained can also be a burden. Here are a variety of ideas to stay engaged and bonded with loved ones when staying indoors:  Play a game. Dominoes, checkers, cards or board games engage multiple senses at once. Some friendly competition can strengthen your relationship and be a good way to have fun between just two people. Spend time in the kitchen. Cooking or baking a loved one’s favorite dish or trying a new recipe can be a fun adventure together. Ask your loved one if they have a cherished recipe or use the internet to experiment. Test your knowledge. Try identifying all the states on a map or listing the presidents. Try to complete the list as a team, or turn it into a friendly competition with the prize of picking the next activity. Get personal. Look at family photo albums and share stories or make a family tree poster board. Reminisce about past times together, it can bring up memories that you realize you haven’t yet shared. Enjoy some self care. Brushing a loved one’s hair, a hand massage with lotion, or giving a manicure can generate a feeling of closeness. Discuss what types of personal care are relaxing to you and find the best way to enjoy it together. Read together. Relax and unwind by reading aloud. Find a good novel, a classic favorite tale or an autobiography of someone you’ve always admired Arts and crafts. Unleash your imagination by creating a piece of art. Model with playdough, color in a coloring book, or even draw freehand on a blank canvas. No matter what activity you choose, indoor bonding can make even the coldest days feel a bit warmer. Use these tips as a reference next time the Illinois weather keeps you inside! #indooractivities #covid19 #Alzheimersdisease #coronavirus #shelter #shelterinplace #quarantine #dementia

There is no single way to test and officially diagnose Alzheimer’s or dementia. Physicians and physician teams instead use a series of steps and other factors to determine a living diagnosis. Oftentimes these steps can help physicians diagnose a person with dementia, however, they do not always explain the cause. Physicians combine the following tools to administer a diagnosis: Reviewing medical history for both the individual and family. This includes psychiatric history and history of behavioral or cognitive changes. Conducting blood tests and brain imaging to rule out other potential causes of dementia symptoms. Speaking with a family member to learn about changes in skills or behavior. Conducting cognitive tests as well as neurological examinations. Brain imaging to detect high levels of beta-amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Though Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, there are other possible causes. Different symptom patterns often indicate different causes of dementia. Physicians will use the series of tests to try and determine the single or mixed sources of dementia symptoms. The better they understand the sources, the more comprehensively they can design a treatment plan. Though no exact test exists for living individuals yet, understanding the process can help you know what to expect when going in to be seen by a physician regarding memory loss. If you aren’t sure where to start, we have resources designed to help you find a provider, understand your diagnosis, and decide how to move forward. Call our 24/7 Helpline for assistance at any stage: 800.272.3900. For more from our Facts & Figures 2020 Report, click here. #diagnosis #Alzheimersdisease #diagnose #dementia #factsandfigures

People living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia sometimes have problems sleeping, or behavioral issues that start at dusk and sometimes last through the night. This is known as sundowning, and there are steps you can take to minimize its effects. The changes in their sleep schedule can lead to more behavioral issues, so it’s important to minimize the difficulties as much as possible. Oftentimes sundowning peaks during the middle stages of Alzheimer’s, though it can surface at any stage. There are some factors to look out for that can exacerbate sundowning: Mental and physical exhaustion Upset in the “internal body clock”, causing a biological mix up between day and night Shadows due to reduced lighting can cause confusion about what people living with Alzheimer’s are seeing Inability to separate dreams from reality can cause disorientation Ways to help reduce effects of sundowning: Keep a precise schedule. In order to maintain a restful night’s sleep, set times for every meal, bedtime, and waking up. Even working in a timed daily walk or exercise routine can help uphold the day’s structure. Avoid stimulants. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol can all affect one’s ability to sleep. Television can also be activating, so turn it off at least an hour before bed and avoid using television during periods of wakefulness during the night. Be active during the day. Resting most of the day can cause restlessness at night. Discourage late afternoon napping and instead replace afternoons with activities. Puzzles, card games, cooking/baking, looking at family photo albums, reading out loud, or listening to music are all stimulating options to help fill the day. Stay mindful of your own exhaustion. Sometimes loved ones living with Alzheimer’s can pick up on your stress and become agitated. Caregivers need to get enough rest at night as well to ensure they can stay energized during the day. Keep the home lit in the evening. Shadows and the dark make for unfamiliar and sometimes disorienting settings. Keep the home well lit until it’s time to sleep. Create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. Make sure to keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Install the appropriate door and window locks to avoid wandering- door sensors and motion detectors can be used to alert family members if a person is awake and roaming. Share your experience and connect. Join ALZConnected, our online support community and message boards. Here you can share your experiences, what did and didn’t work, and hear from others about coping mechanisms or just general support. Join ALZConnected For more information on caregiving and staying safe during COVID-19, visit here. #caregivers #reducerisk #safety #sundowning