Role Changes in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

Role Changes in Mild Alzheimer's Disease

Issues to Think About — Steps You Can Take

People at this stage of Alzheimer's disease may be able to continue in some of their most important roles. Relationships may change because of changing abilities.

Issues for patients
Issues for caregivers
Steps for patients and caregivers

Issues the Person with Mild Alzheimer's Disease May Face:

		Changes in communicating may make it difficult to express your thoughts and feelings. This may lead to feeling angry, frustrated, or lonely.
		Sharing the diagnosis with others may cause you to worry that they will act differently with you.
		Hiding the diagnosis or not telling it to others may cause fear that your symptoms will be discovered. This can lead to social isolation and being depressed.

Issues the Caregiver May Face:

		Changing abilities may require the caregiver to take over some unfamiliar tasks, such as paying bills, cooking meals, or driving.
		Communication difficulties that cause the person with Alzheimer's disease to feel lonely can create the same feelings for you.

Steps the Person With Mild Alzheimer's Disease and the Caregiver Can Take:

		Determine whom you will tell about the diagnosis, and how you will do so. See below for things to consider.
		Get support for your feelings. Talk with each other, or talk with friends, family, or professionals.
		Continue to do familiar things that help you feel connected to each other, such as preparing meals, or visiting family.
		Address your needs on a spiritual level by attending religious services or reading special passages together.

Role Changes in Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

Issues to Think About — Steps You Can Take

Issues for patients
Issues for caregivers
Steps for patients and caregivers
Telling others about the diagnosis

Issues the Person with Moderate Alzheimer's Disease May Face:

		Having to let go of some responsibilities, such as cooking meals for the family or paying bills.
		Feeling lonely or isolated as a result of giving up all or part of their important roles and responsibilities.

Issues the Caregiver May Face:

		Feeling more alone in having to manage daily tasks and responsibilities.
		Feeling uncertain about making decisions without input or guidance from the person with moderate Alzheimer's disease.
		Feeling uncomfortable doing some of the personal tasks in helping with daily care, such as bathing or dressing.

Steps the Person with Moderate Alzheimer's Disease Can Take:

		Share your feelings using words or gestures, such as a hug or a smile.
		Ask others to help you find ways to keep doing things that you enjoy.
		Allow others to assist you when you need help.

Steps the Caregiver Can Take:

Ask family members or friends for help. Perhaps someone can assist you or take on responsibilities that you find challenging.

Telling Others About the Diagnosis. Things to Consider:

		In some instances, the person with moderate Alzheimer's disease may not have been told his or her diagnosis. Consider talking about it with him or her, even if you use words such as "memory problems" instead of "Alzheimer's disease." Talking about the diagnosis allows for involvement in future plans.
		Consider sharing the diagnosis with others, even if you are reluctant at first. Doing so will allow you to get more support and understanding. It also relieves both of you of having to pretend that everything is OK.
		Talk about how you will tell others. You may want to tell select friends and relatives one on one. Or you may want to write a letter, as President Reagan did when he received his diagnosis.
		Expect that some people may not believe the diagnosis at first. Alzheimer's disease is in many ways "invisible," particularly in its early stages. Often, those who have it appear healthy. The symptoms are not always apparent.
		Be prepared for the possibility that lack of understanding about the disease may cause some friends and family members not to know how to respond to your news.
		Let people know that calls, cards, letters, and visits are welcome. Tell people what the best times for visits would be.
		Be ready with a list of suggestions for those who ask how they can help.