Wonderful Alzheimers Information

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" Denial means more problems for caregivers and their loved ones "

By Risa Levovsky

WWW.ALZHEIMERS-TIPS.COM

As you experience the effects of Alzheimer's disease or other forms

of memory loss, it may seem like you are riding a scary emotional

roller coaster. The emotions you are facing on this wild ride may

leave you feeling depressed, angry, frustrated, lonely, or helpless.

Take time to identify with and learn about these emotions. With this

new understanding, the ups and downs of the roller coaster will

become less of a wild ride for you.

Denial is an emotion and coping mechanism for many caregivers. Many

husbands and wives may cover up the initial symptoms of their

spouse's illness. Family members ignore warning signs. They convince

themselves that the changes they see are just a normal part of

aging.

Denial is a way some people temporarily cope with this difficult

situation. By denying its existence, they don't have to cope with

the long difficult experience they are about to face.

A caregivers share her struggle with denial:

Living in denial of my wife's illness has enabled me to continue

functioning as a human being on a daily basis. Once I accept the

magnitude of this illness, I know that I will be overcome with fear.

Caregivers may choose to live in denial for any of the following

reasons:

*Caregivers are not willing to accept that their loved one suffers

from a disease that has no known cure.

*Caregivers are not willing to accept that living with this disease

may mean that they must change their lifestyle to meet the needs of

the person

with the disease.

*Caregivers feel that if they ignore it, their loved one will

magically get better.

*Caregivers fear that it may also happen to them.

Caution! Living in denial may also have some negative implications.

As caregivers live in denial, the person with memory loss is

deprived of a proper diagnosis, early treatment options, and no

plans may be made for the future.

In addition the person with memory loss may be at risk for

wandering, falling, malnutrition, dehydration, and medication errors

leading to much more serious consequences.

To learn more about Alzheimer's disease, go to www.Alzheimers-

tips.com

Risa Levovsky

Gerontologist-Author-Journalist-Advocate For Successful Aging