Understanding Alzheimer's Disease - Continuing series..

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958


 A key to Alzheimers understanding is knowing how it affects some suffers.  Research suggests that emotions in the Alzheimers sufferer may persist long after the event that triggers it has passed.
 For instance, in a recent study, patients with the disease were allowed to view movies that evoked tears and sadness, or laughter and happiness.  Six minutes later, the participants had trouble remembering the movie.  Thirty minutes later, an emotion evaluation revealed they still felt sad (or happy), often more than persons with normal memories.  The more memory-imparied patients tended to retain the stronger emotions longer.

 You may help to elevate an Alzheimers patient's mood by exposing them to situations that make them laugh or happy. Since it's likely they'll forget what they did quickly, don't be surprised if they want to repeat the activity!