Mature Life Features

. . . why I take so many naps.

Because, I tell them,

it prevents aging,

especially when you take them

when you’re behind the wheel.

Listen to Communicate with Alzheimer’s Victims

A friend has a running gag in which he tells someone he received a solicitation for a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association but he forgot where he put it. It’s his form of gallows humor to forget the fact that some 5 million Americans are victims of this disorder.

The AA urges victims to be candid about their disease and, at the appearance of its signs, to discuss their symptoms with relatives and friends. Maintaining open lines of communication with people facing dementia are critical to keeping victims, caregivers, relatives and friends on as even a keel as possible as disabilities progress.

The first of a half dozen steps recommended by the AA to everyone around an Alzheimer’s sufferer is to listen. And let the sufferer know they are listening, are being patient, and are trying to understand what he or she is saying.

Many times the emotions being expressed by the victim are more important than the words used. Tone of voice can help you search for the feelings behind the phrases. If you don’t understand what’s being said, ask  the Alzheimer’s-afflicted person to point or gesture to let you know what he or she wants.