COPING WITH ROLE CHANGES DURING THE COURSE OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Miriam Galindo

INTRODUCTION Chapman University graduate Dr. Miriam Galindo is a

psychologist who has worked with abused and neglected children. Apart from her advocacy with children, Dr. Miriam Galindo has also worked with seniors and is a member of the Alzheimer's Association.

The Alzheimer's Association is a leading volunteer-driven health organization that aims to lead the way for the improvement of Alzheimer's disease care and research. While the organization works on a global scale, it also provides personal support for patients who are suffering from the disease.

Alzheimer's disease not only takes its toll on patients’ health but also affects their relationships.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE There are role changes that patients have to expect as the

disease continues to change their abilities. Patients may notice that they are excluded from conversations especially in terms of long-term planning or decision making. Independence is also compromised as a loss of employment is imminent, and financial decisions are no longer made by patients. As a result, patients may feel that they have become a huge burden to family and friends.

All of these factors may affect relationships during the course of the disease, and the best way to deal with these changes is to be more accepting of the assistance that other people offer.