Mature Life Features

. . . has made my mornings

much more enjoyable.

It mixes with my vodka

much better than coffee.

Listen to Help Alzheimer’s Victims

A friend has a running gag that he received a solicitation for a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association but he forgot where he put it. It’s his bit of gallows humor to forget the fact that more than 6 million Americans are victims of this disorder.

The association urges victims to be candid about their disease and, at the appearance of its signs, to discuss their symptoms with family and friends. Maintaining open lines of communication with people doomed by dementia is critical to keeping victims, caregivers, relatives and friends on as even a keel as possible as the disability progresses.

The first step recommended by the AA to everyone around an Alzheimer’s sufferer is to listen. Communicating with an Alzheimer’s victim requires patience and understanding, so those around such a person must be good listeners. And they must let the sufferer know they are listening, are being patient, and are trying to understand what he or she is saying.

If the person is having difficulty finding the right word or phrase, encourage him or her to take their time and continue to explain. Don’t cut in and correct the speaker. You can repeat what was said if you feel some clarification is needed.