The Lessons That Alzheimer's Teaches

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Alzheimer's inevitably takes you on a journey. Many of us with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's are surprised to discover that not all parts of that journey are negative. 

Significant life changes have many lessons to impart. Often, experiences like these are where you find the new strength and understanding that will enrich your life and the lives of everyone around you. Appreciating those lessons is all about changing your point of view. Here are a few life lessons that I'd like to share with you.

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Adaptation

For an Alzheimer's sufferer whose memory is slipping away, every day is different. Life can even change for them from moment to moment as memories slip away. And yet, they manage to persevere, cope and continually adapt to their changing circumstances. Being able to deal and maybe even find peace although your relationship with your loved ones and the world as you know it may be changing is a wonderful gift.

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Living in the Now

After an Alzheimer's diagnosis, the big picture can look bleak. But there are many moments in the now that are worth celebrating. Those suffering from Alzheimer's disease continue to enjoy the daily social and travel experiences that they enjoyed before their diagnosis. 

Getting out there and enjoying life with your loved is a great way to grow and heal. It's also a great lesson to internalize for any difficulties in life. Stopping to take a moment and live in the now -- not in your worries about the future -- can give you new perspective. 

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Empathy

Alzheimer's forces us to see the world from another point of view. As the disease progresses, Alzheimer's sufferers gradually lose their ability to communicate in traditional ways. Often, they lash out verbally or even physically. 

But new studies suggest that these outbursts may actually be an attempt to communicate an emotion in novel ways. When you see this behavior through new, empathetic eyes you can discover a new way to connect with your loved one through a behavior that might otherwise lead to frustration.

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Forgiveness

This is a lesson that many of us have to learn the hard way. An Alzheimer's diagnosis often comes with many difficult decisions. To maintain your sanity, you have to consistently remind yourself that those decisions were made to the best of your ability and with the well-being of everyone concerned in mind. Treating yourself with this forgiveness and understanding will help you live your life looking towards the future and dealing with the now with patience and understanding. 

Dr. Sharon Iglehart

Take the time to look and you'll find that even life's most difficult trials come packaged with a fresh new perspective. I would love to hear about the difficult experiences -- with Alzheimer's or otherwise -- in your life that have imparted a new perspective or lesson to live by. Share them with us in the comments section.