How to Help a Neighbor With Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease affects millions of Americans and each year it is the cause of 100,000 deaths in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, the disease has a devastating emotional and financial toll on the victim’s families, loved ones and caregivers. More than just memory loss, Alzheimer's is a fatal disease of the brain where brain cells are destroyed and not replaced. Alzheimer’s does not adhere to lines of culture, class, race or education. The cause of it is not known, though extensive research is being conducted, and there is no cure. As the life expectancy rates increase more and more is known how to cope with Alzheimer’s even if one is not a family member or caregiver. Indeed, neighbors and the community need to be involved in helping to cope with this disease. Perhaps the person most needing some assistance is the caregiver.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Speak to the family of the victim. Let them know you care. Before offering assistance, know your limits. Is helping out one afternoon a week realistic with your full-time job? Maybe bringing over a hot meal one night a week or driving to adult daycare twice a week is more reasonable.

2. 
    
   There are plenty of books available on Alzheimer's, such as this reference from the Alzheimer's Association.

   Be non-critical, supportive and patient. Familiarize yourself with the disease. Read up and research.

3. Accept that the patient may not recognize you or speak to you—he may not be neighborly at all.

4. Fudge the truth if necessary. If your neighbor is waiting outside for her sister, who died 15 years earlier, suggest you heard the train was late and maybe it is better to wait inside.

5. Redirect the subject or activity. If someone is insisting they need to be at dance rehearsal in 30 minutes, suggest they need to eat some lunch first.

6. Watch for the Alzheimer’s patient walking out of the house alone or being alone in the neighborhood. Call the family immediately and help the patient back home.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember Alzheimer’s affects each person differently and symptoms will vary. Just because your grandfather repeatedly asked the same questions doesn’t mean your neighbor will.
• It doesn’t matter what you say or what you do, it matters how you make the Alzheimer’s patient feel.
• Do not argue with someone who has Alzheimer’s. Let them think it is 1942. Correcting or arguing will cause frustration, fear and/or anger.
• Do not expect a person with Alzheimer’s to understand reason or logic.

Resources

• Learn the telltale signs of Alzheimer's disease and what to do next.