How does alzheimer's disease effect the families?

Answer 1

there are many ways it affects the families. in my experience, i have seen families display alot of frustration and depression. once the member with alzheimer's gets to a point where they may not recognize their family, i have seen family members become very frustrated. it is important to remember that the person is still there, it is just the disease causing their actions. they still need to be loved and need their family to be patient and understanding with them.

A family member with mild Alzheimer's, or who is in the early developing stages of the disease, can live a good life on their own, with minimal help from their families. When the disease progresses, however, it is best that either a family is in constant contact with the afflicted member or (if it's very progressed) that that member be placed into a care home, or have a 'home-stay' program implemented in their lives. Having a loved one not recognize you can be heartbreaking and deeply affect everyone in the family. You need to be constantly involved in their lives once they're severely affected, and not having them know you can put a lot of strain on you. It isn't either party's fault when it comes to becoming aggrivated or frustrated. It's a very emotionally trying time when it comes to having a loved one with this disease. People with Alzheimer's can also become very upset and sometimes violent or angry, so a family has to be prepared to deal with that.

you know this, solid facts!