“They are no longer the person I knew”. Possibly the most common phrase around Alzheimer’s cases. It’s everywhere, it seems to be a very common statement/sentiment. The problem with this all too common statement, is that it does not bring about a positive mindset. It saps the joy and love out of caretaking. Bob DeMarco challenges this statement, arguing that to say so is to objectify the person affected. In taking on this attitude about the disease, it breeds hate for the disease which could be taken out on those suffering from it. Bob suggests that a more effective way for caregivers to view their loved ones, is to imagine the having Alzheimer’s is like being in a different world.

The inability to use all their faculties, to organize their mind, often leads to feelings of insecurity, fear, anger, and hostility among those suffering from Alzheimer's. You can think of this as being confused times 100.

Alzheimer's sufferers live in a near constant state of confusion caused by the brains inability to sort out stimuli. I sometimes think of this like a brain that is cracked. The brain still works but it can no longer do all the things it once did.

I am saddened when I hear these words --this is not the person I knew -- because those words objectify the person suffering from Alzheimer's. When you objectify a person you also dehumanize them. Once dehumanized the person becomes a villain.

Objectification leads to vilification. Vilification leads to dehumanization. This same cause and effect becomes a road block to effective caregiving. A kind of insurmountable brick wall that stops the caregiver from overcoming denial and becoming an effective loving, caring, caregiver.

A caregiver might believe that Alzheimer's is the villain, but if their behavior becomes one of objectification it is likely that the sufferer becomes the recipient of the anger -- the villain. Once this occurs the communication takes on a negative pattern that is hard to change.

Read more at Alzheimer’s Reading Room [2]

Sodalis Elder Care Facilities in Texas.