Learning and living with Alzheimer’s is a process

From noticing early warning signs to diagnosis to finding a support group, families learn to live through it all.

Going through a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s is a process for the patient and the family, experts say.

The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter indicates there are 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s.

The lists and briefly describes the changes in behavior that could mean an individual is showing the early signs of the neurodegenerative disease.

Warning signs are changes in mood or personality, withdrawal from work or social activities, decreased or poor judgment, misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, new problems with words both in speaking and writing, trouble understanding visual or spatial relationships, confusion with time or place, difficulty completing familiar tasks, challenge in planning or solving problems and memory loss.

“The Alzheimer’s Association wanted to release the information so friends and loved ones are aware of the warning signs,” said Kelly Donahue, marketing and communications manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter. “January is the perfect time to inform people of the signs of Alzheimer’s.

“The holidays are concluding and people just got done seeing someone, maybe a parent or grandparent, whom they haven’t seen in awhile,” Donahue said. “You might have noticed something different in their behavior, and this is a way to inform people of the severity of the signs and that they should take their family member to a doctor for a diagnosis.”

Lauri Scharf, support services manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, said it’s important for people to not feel alone after their Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

“I manage the support groups and work with the newly diagnosed individuals,” Scharf said. “The overall goal is to help educate, both the diagnosed and their caretakers, about the process they will go through.

“We ask what the doctor has told them and how they feel. It’s about getting to know them, because everyone has a different reaction and experience.”

Scharf said the work of support groups are more effective than people might think.

“It’s good to talk to someone,” she said. “These people are going through the same experience; you’re not alone with this disease. People are able to relate with daily struggles and learn from each other.

“Someone might have a solution to something you’re going through and vice-versa. The group is an encouraging environment that wants to help each other and people have unanimously said that it works.”

Scharf said a caregiver can have a more difficult time than someone who has Alzheimer’s.

“It’s a day-to-day situation with Alzheimer’s, but some days can be more difficult for caregivers,” she said. “We’re dealing with a brain disease, so some days the person with Alzheimer’s knows who they are, and sometimes they don’t.

“We want to educate the caregivers and make it an easy process for them. Caregivers need to learn how to take care of their loved ones, but they also need to learn to take care of themselves; don’t get burned out.”

Scharf said the biggest misconception about Alzheimer’s is that it isn’t a disease exclusively diagnosed in 90-year-old people.

“These are people who still have lives to live,” she said. “Some people still work and live active lives.

“We want to educate, not only the diagnosed and caregivers, but also society as a whole. People should be aware of the different signs of Alzheimer’s and know the best response.”

Living with Alzheimer’s

Kathy Hall, of North Ridgeville, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in the summer of 2015, and has really enjoyed the support group.

“It has really helped me come terms with the situation,” Hall said. “They have helped me adapt to it better. I still have a life to live and I don’t plan on drastically changing my routine anytime soon.”

Jack Hewitt, Hall’s husband and caregiver, feels the support groups have done a great job.

“I’m glad they’re there to tell me what to do,” Hewitt said. “It was scary when she was diagnosed, but it is something we’ve taken in stride.

“We continue with our day-to-day. She can no longer drive long distances, but we are both retired, so we usually go places together anyway.”

Hewitt said there have been some ups and downs since he noticed the warnings signs.

“I took her to her doctor who told us to go to a neurologist,” he said. “It was a tough thing to hear.

“Sometimes, I see her misplace things, but other days she’s going to the YMCA on her own, and it’s as if everything is okay,” Hewitt said. “We just take it day to day, and I’ll continue to support and care for her the best I can.”

“I’m glad they’re there to tell me what to do. It was scary when she was diagnosed, but it is something we’ve taken in stride.”

GRAPHIC BY KAILEE LEONARD