Coping with a loved one’s Alzheimer's diagnosis

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it may come as a shock to those in their life. Moving forward and seeing the cognitive changes in someone you have spent time getting to know and love can be challenging. If someone in your life is living with this condition, there are a few ways to cope healthily and find support, and you’re not alone. 

What is Alzheimer’s disease? 

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking abilities, and behavior. Considered the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, accounting for a significant proportion of age-related cognitive decline. This progressive disease typically begins with mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to difficulty carrying out daily tasks, conversing, and responding to environmental stimuli. 

While research scientists and medical professionals do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease, it is believed to stem from a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Though there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, it can be helpful for individuals impacted and their loved ones to examine early warning signs, the benefits of seeking an early diagnosis, effective management strategies, and coping mechanisms to use during this time. 

Early warning signs and symptoms

While Alzheimer’s is often associated with older age, this complex brain disease and other forms of dementia are not an inevitable consequence of aging. Many Alzheimer’s symptoms first appear during an individual’s mid to late 60s, though early onset Alzheimer's disease can begin as early as a person’s 30s (although this phenomenon is rare).

While symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary from person to person, difficulties with memory tend to manifest first. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, Alzheimer’s often progresses clinically in several stages, including preclinical, mild or early-stage, moderate, and severe or late-stage.

Early signs of Alzheimer’s may include the following: 

• Memory impairment, such as difficulty remembering events
• Difficulty concentrating, planning or problem-solving
• Challenges finishing daily tasks at home or work, such as writing or using eating utensils
• Confusion with location or passage of time
• Visual or space difficulties, such as not understanding distance in driving, getting lost, or misplacing items
• Language challenges, such as word-locating issues or diminished use of vocabulary in speech or writing
• Poor judgment in decision-making moments
• Withdrawal from work events or social engagements
• Changes in mood, such as depression or other behavior and personality changes

Contacting a primary care doctor or neurologist is recommended if you notice yourself or a loved one experiencing or exhibiting any of these symptoms. Treating Alzheimer’s disease early on may reduce the severity of symptoms. 

How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?

While there is no single test that can determine if a person is living with the disease, physicians can utilize various diagnostic tools to diagnose Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer's Association, medical history, diagnostic tests, brain imaging, mental status tests, blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging, and specific physical exams may be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

To determine if Alzheimer’s is causing someone’s symptoms, doctors may ask the affected person (and potentially, their family members and friends) about their overall health, medication usage, dietary regimen, medical history, daily functioning, and uncharacteristic changes in behavior or personality. 

The doctor may then conduct several cognitive assessments to evaluate the patient’s memory, problem-solving, attention, counting, and language abilities. Physical medical tests, which evaluate blood, urine, and other factors, may also provide insight into a patient’s condition. 

If Alzheimer’s disease cannot be ruled out based on the evaluations, the doctor may offer a psychiatric assessment or refer the client to ensure depression or another mental illness is not the source of symptoms. What may genuinely reveal the presence of Alzheimer’s is the collection of cerebrospinal fluid via a spinal tap, which allows practitioners to measure protein levels associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Doctors can perform brain scans like CT, PET, and MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis or rule out additional causes if such proteins are discovered. It can be crucial for healthcare providers to conduct multiple assessments, as many medical problems, like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and medication side effects, can be misconstrued for Alzheimer’s or dementia. 

The benefits of early diagnosis

As Alzheimer’s research progresses, the medical community is recognizing the pressing benefit of immediate intervention. Due to the scarcity of treatment options for the disease, attention has shifted toward a proactive approach to early detection and diagnosis. 

Research regarding the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease suggests that the complex brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s, such as the formation of amyloid plaques, start a decade or more before memory and thinking problems appear. While it can be vital to note that not everyone with these brain changes develops dementia, some may appear before the onset of dementia. 

Tools like a physical exam or brain imaging tests are often utilized in the early diagnostic process. According to medical professionals, there are several significant benefits to seeking an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Early detection allows for timely medical interventions and treatment plans to be implemented, potentially slowing down the disease process and allowing the opportunity for individuals to participate in clinical trials. 

Living with a loved one’s Alzheimer's diagnosis

The impact of Alzheimer's disease can extend beyond the individuals diagnosed. When a cherished family member, friend, or loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, those closest to them may face a profoundly challenging and emotionally disorienting experience. Navigating the difficulties of this complex condition may require patience, understanding, and evidence-based resources directing people to helpful coping mechanisms. Some such healthy strategies families may want to explore include the following. 

Education

Taking the time to learn about Alzheimer’s disease, its progression, available resources, and potential treatments may help you understand the nature of this condition and provide empathetic care and support to your loved one.

Support

In some cases, loved ones or caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s may experience a sense of being lost or isolated. Seeking support through specialized networks like the Alzheimer's Association may allow you to connect with others experiencing similar challenges. Additionally, professional intervention from a therapist or mental health professional offering personalized guidance, support, and resources can be valuable. 

Lifestyle adjustments

As a relative or caretaker, you can help your loved one slow the effects of Alzheimer's disease by engaging in mentally stimulating activities, encouraging physical exercise, fostering social interaction, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Routine

Consistent routines may minimize confusion and anxiety associated with Alzheimer's. Maintaining a structured daily routine can offer a sense of stability and familiarity to your loved one's life.

Prioritize self-care

By attending to your own physical and emotional needs and prioritizing self-care, you may avoid burnout and be able to provide better quality care and support to your loved one. When adjusting to a loved one’s diagnosis, try to take breaks, delegate tasks to other family members or caregivers, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Talk to a therapist

Due to the complex challenges a loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis can create, seeking professional guidance is often recommended. For families and caregivers, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may offer a flexible and affordable option for receiving specialized guidance. 

Depending on the stage of cognitive decline a loved one is experiencing, their care provider may find it challenging to arrange an in-person therapy appointment outside of the home. Through online counseling platforms, caregivers can schedule virtual video or phone calls from any location with a secure wireless connection. Users can also message their therapist throughout the week if they have a question or concern. This convenience may mitigate the need to arrange alternative care for people with more critical care needs.

Along with ease, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, online therapy has been proven to provide quality care, with research proving it can be equally as effective as in-person therapy. Results of a recent randomized controlled trial involving 251 caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients revealed that online counseling was effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among the participant sample. 

Takeaway

Living with a loved one's Alzheimer's diagnosis may be a challenging task and can require education, support, effective communication, routine, and self-care. By educating yourself about the disease and seeking support from your community and health professionals, you may navigate this difficult path with ease and grace.

Communities and resources are available to provide guidance and support every step of the way. Should you believe that having a therapist would be advantageous to your mental health and ability to provide the best care for your loved one, you can also consider reaching out to a therapist online or in your area to get started.