In honour of January being Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, let’s take a closer look at Alzheimer’s Disease and the resources available for caregivers and family members of all ages.
Alzheimer’s is a disease affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour, and is the most common form of dementia. As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly harder for patients to manage daily tasks and function independently. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging but knowing how to provide thoughtful support can make a significant difference in your loved one’s quality of life.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory and cognitive function, making it increasingly difficult to perform everyday tasks such as: remembering appointments or events, recognizing familiar people or places, planning or making decisions.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks or solving problems
- Confusion with time or place
- Changes in mood, behaviour, or personality.
Early diagnosis is crucial to managing symptoms and planning for the future.
Supporting Your Patient’s Cognitive and Emotional Health
Engaging in purposeful activities can stimulate the brain, boost mood, and foster connection.
Activity Ideas:
- Art and Music Therapy: Painting, crafting, or listening to favorite songs can evoke positive emotions and memories
- Puzzles and Games: Simple activities like matching cards or easy crossword puzzles can help maintain cognitive function
- Gentle Exercises: Walking, chair yoga, or dancing promotes physical and mental health
- Storytelling and Reading: Sharing family stories or reading books together can encourage interaction
- Everyday Tasks: Helping with laundry or preparing simple meals can provide a sense of accomplishment
Pro Tip: Tailor activities to the person’s current abilities and preferences, staying flexible so you can adjust them as needed to keep things enjoyable and stress-free.
Young Adult Caregivers (Ages 18–30): Finding Balance and Purpose
Caregivers and family members of individuals with Alzheimer’s each have unique needs and abilities. Young adults, teens, and children are no exception—though they may face different challenges and concerns compared to older caregivers. Below, we’ll focus on the ways young adult caregivers (ages 18–30) can balance personal goals with the responsibility of supporting a loved one.
Common Challenges:
- Feeling isolated due to responsibilities that differ from peers
- Balancing caregiving with work, school, and social commitments
- Managing guilt, especially when moving away for school or work
Tips:
- Reach Out for Help:
Contact your local Alzheimer Society for support groups, day programs, or caregiver resources - Take Breaks to Recharge:
Schedule personal time for hobbies, exercise, or social events. Activities like sports or creative projects can help manage stress - Connect with Others:
Join online or in-person support groups to share experiences and advice with peers who understand what you’re going through - Share Your Story:
Opening up to trusted friends or counselors can lighten the emotional burden and create deeper connections - Practice Self-Care:
Prioritize your physical and mental health. A calendar or planner can help you balance caregiving with your personal goals
Resources:
- Young Caregivers Connect: Weekly virtual support groups for ages 15–25.
- Young Caregivers Association: Offers respite programs and life skills coaching
- Lorenzo’s House: Support groups for young adults with parents who have early-onset dementia
For more resources tailored to teens, visit the Alzheimer Society’s Tips for Young Adults page.
For Teens (Ages 13–17): Navigating School and Caregiving
Teen caregivers may face unique stressors as they try to juggle school, friendships, and caregiver responsibilities. They may also experience feelings of isolation if their peers do not understand their responsibilities, or worry as they manage their own emotions related to the impact of the disease on their loved one.
Common Challenges:
- Balancing homework and caregiving duties
- Worrying about the safety of the person they care for
- Missing social events or feeling excluded from typical teenage activities
Tips:
- Ask for Support at School:
Let teachers or school counselors know about your caregiving role. They may be willing to provide accommodations for deadlines or other support when needed - Practice Patience and Manage Frustration:
Use techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness to stay calm during stressful moments - Find Joy in Shared Activities:
Spend quality time with the person you care for with walks, reminiscing, or watching movies together - Make Time for Yourself:
Set aside time for hobbies, sports, or other interests outside of caregiving to maintain balance - Be Open with Friends:
Sharing your caregiving responsibilities with friends can help them understand why you might need to reschedule plans or miss social events
Did You Know?
Young caregivers often contribute significant unpaid care, with some providing 14–27 hours of support weekly. Their efforts save families and the healthcare system up to $50,000 annually.
For more resources tailored to teens, visit the Alzheimer Society’s Tips for Teens page.
Resources:
- Young Caregivers Association: Workshops and special events for teens in caregiving roles
- Lorenzo’s House: Virtual support groups for teenagers caring for a parent with dementia
- Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 mental health resource available at 1-800-668-6868
For Kids (Under Age 13): Helping with Simple Tasks
Younger children often help care for grandparents or other family members with dementia. Their caregiving role is typically simpler but still meaningful and impactful.
Common Challenges:
- Feeling confused about dementia and its effects
- Struggling to express their emotions about caregiving
- Missing time to play or enjoy activities with friends
Tips:
- Learn About Dementia Together:
Understanding why a loved one forgets things or behaves differently can help make dementia less frightening for children. Encourage them to ask questions or read age-appropriate books about the topic with trusted parents or teachers so they can learn and feel more comfortable - Talk to Trusted Adults:
Ensure children have opportunities to share their feelings with parents, teachers, and counselors, who can provide guidance and help them feel heard - Help with Small Tasks:
Children or teens can assist with simple tasks such as setting the table, folding laundry, or reading to the person with dementia, as these small contributions can make a significant difference - Enjoy Special Moments:
They can spend time engaging in shared activities—like looking at old photos, enjoying a snack together, or taking a walk in the park—to foster connection and create positive memories - Ask for School Support:
If they need extra time for assignments or feel overwhelmed, teachers can provide help; parents should also inform the school about the caregiving situation for additional understanding and flexibility
Resources:
- Young Caregivers Connect: Online forums and support tailored for younger kids
- Lorenzo’s House: Virtual support groups for kids aged 4–12
- Kids Help Phone: Free, 24/7 support at 1-800-668-6868
Pro Tip for Parents: Support your child by involving them in caregiving discussions at an age-appropriate level and validating what they are feeling. Here are suggestions on the best ways to talk to children about Alzheimer’s. For resources and children’s books about Alzheimer’s, visit www.alz.org.
For more resources tailored to kids, visit the Alzheimer Society’s Tips for Kids page.
Final Thoughts: Supporting Someone with Alzheimer’s
Supporting someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a journey that requires patience, creativity, and compassion. By engaging in meaningful activities, creating routines, and utilizing resources tailored to caregivers of all ages, you can help improve your loved one’s quality of life while maintaining your own well-being.
Alliance Chiropractic is dedicated to supporting your health and wellness. While our focus remains your musculoskeletal system, we are committed to providing you with information to help inform and educate you on other factors that could affect your health. If we don’t have the answers, our team will do our best to help you find the resources that do.
Contact us if you have any questions regarding this blog or any other health or wellness concern.
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Information for this blog was sourced from Alzheimer Society of Canada.