Alzheimer's steals so much from its victims and their families.
Caregivers for Alzheimer's patients often face a unique level of depression due to the continuously changing behaviors and capabilities of their loved one.
Finding anything positive in the process is not easy, but if you look hard enough you can find a few bright spots along the way.
Our six-year journey as Alzheimer's caregivers has yielded some valuable life lessons: * We've been reminded of the importance of making the most of every day.
Learn to see today as the best day you'll ever again have with your loved one.
Make new memories of today that will be cherished tomorrow.
Plan gatherings of family and friends to take advantage of the time your loved one is still with you.
* Learn to find joy in simple pleasures.
It's amazing how much happiness an Alzheimer's sufferer can experience from things most of us would never think important.
A favorite food, polished nails, a new garment, playing a game, a small child's visit, a cuddly animal, or an old familiar song can brighten the world for someone with the disease.
Focus on some of your loved ones favorite things and provide them with opportunities to enjoy them as often as possible.
Include favorite activities, too.
Some adaptations may be necessary.
If so, do whatever you can to give an opportunity for the person to do the things she's always enjoyed.
One of our friends with Alzheimer's was an avid golfer.
His disease eventually prevented his going to a course to play.
However, the assisted living center where he resided had a small putting area where he spent hours every day.
The game was different, but the pleasure he gained from golf never left him.
* Photo albums help connect the present with forgotten faces and places of the past.
Time spent looking through old family photos helps to strengthen the relationship with your loved one as you remember your common past together.
Take new pictures that will become priceless to the family as the Alzheimer's victim slips further away from you.
* Reminiscing about stories of long ago allows the person with Alzheimer's to connect with their past, too.
Our loved one who suffers from the disease is able to remember most of her childhood, but not the answers to questions she asked moments ago.
Enjoying older stories allows her to laugh and provides comfort to her.
* Learn to see the innocence of those with Alzheimer's disease.
Just as young children possess an innocent quality in their actions and conversations, so do those who become childlike again due to their disease.
Children can be amusing.
Laughing at their behavior is not making fun or ridiculing them.
The same is true of Alzheimer's patients.
They, too, can be amusing in the things they do and say.
Learning to laugh can help the Alzheimer caregiver survive the ugly side of the disease.
* Take time to make friends with other Alzheimer's caregivers who are responsible for the care of a family member.
The bonds you share because of the disease will form the basis of some wonderful new relationships.
Learning to look for something positive along the journey through Alzheimer's disease will help any Alzheimer's caregiver maintain their own sanity and wellbeing while caring for their loved one.