Alzheimer's association holds presentation at Ironwood Carnegie Library

By KIM E. STROM

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Ironwood - One of the keys to better communication with Alzheimer's patients is early recognition, according to Sundi Taylor, program director of the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Taylor gave a presentation on communicating with Alzheimer's patients at the Ironwood Carnegie Library Friday.

The organization recognizes three stages of the disease, but it's often during the first stage that family and friends can begin to connect with their loved ones to determine future communications.

For example, said Taylor, in the early stage, caregivers can ask the patient, "If you forget a word, would you like me to give you time to answer, or jump right in and say it for you?"

"Don't assume anything," said Taylor. "Give easy choices." The association recommends always counting to three before responding and points out that the disease affects everyone differently.

Another issue Taylor covered is recognizing that, as a healthy person, one has to be the stable entity in a relationship. "You have to be the rational one. That's you, not me," she said. "And pay attention to tone (of voice). That's a big one that they pick up on."

Other tactics include approaching from the front, getting at eye level, and not criticizing, correcting or arguing, she said.

The middle stage of Alzheimer's disease lasts the longest, said Taylor. It's important to assess needs at this stage. Things such as asking the person if they need to eat or drink or use the bathroom are important as communication skills gradually diminish when the disease progresses.

The audience discussed how to handle cases where the patient starts asking questions repeatedly. Sometimes redirection is better than forcing reality onto the person, Taylor said. And it's important to recognize their reality. Taylor explained that just like children, Alzheimer's patients may live in a bit of a fantasy world, and it's not important to correct them.

In the late stages, it's helpful to communicate through the senses. It's all about making that person feel safe and happy, said Taylor. The person will likely revert to childhood memories and it's important to be sensitive to that, she said. It's also important to be especially sensitive to cultural backgrounds.

Examples of communicating through senses can include: through touch, a family member could give a lotion hand massage, or brush his or her hair. Sounds should be soft and gentle. Sensory items like different kinds of fabric can facilitate keeping the hands from becoming clenched. Smells, like fresh apple pie and chicken soup can help, said Taylor.

There have been studies on patients that show certain parts of the brain light up when stimulated by the senses, she said.

And finally, she said it's essential to exercise self-care. Currently, two counties in the Upper Peninsula — Delta and Marquette — have respite care stipends of up to $500. Taylor is working on getting that available throughout the U.P.

For more information or for the helpline, people can call 1-800-272-3900.