Alzheimer's Music Hath Charms To Soothe

The day can vary extensively from day to day regardless of what stage of Alzheimer's Disease the person is in. Many of the symptoms may overlap and that's why I don't even consider regarding them as accurate. There can be many changes happening and if things look like they are getting worst don't think the person won't snap back.

There will be periods of time where the Alzheimer's patient will get worse for maybe hours or even a week or two. This is normal and then just when you think the change is permanent they are back. This is harder on the caregiver and after you go through it a few times and see this happen for your self it will be less stressful. Get used to it because it will happen through out the course of the illness.

In the beginning stages its simple but you still need to keep an eye on them because you don't know when the person with Alzheimer's will manifest a symptom that needs supervision. When the Alzheimer's patient still knows what's going on you should be vigilant but invisible as possible or they will feel uncomfortable with you staring at them. Be less obvious so they feel like the setting is normal and not supervised even though it is.

You should be aware of what they are doing but they shouldn't feel watched. Be sneaky. If you need to get a closer look have a reason to go over to see what they are doing. Don't make it seem watching is the reason. Bring them a drink or a healthy snack. Have a question to ask them. This is a good practice regardless of the stage.

Keep things upbeat and happy. At the end of the day the conversations and activity may not be remembered but the emotion of the day will stick with them. Your main purpose besides the necessities is to keep them in a state of happiness and give the the feeling they are loved. Do not complain to them or tell them the things that worry you. That's for you to deal with and they don't need that in their world such as it is. If the person with Alzheimer's feels happy and loved you did good.

Don't just be with your friend with Alzheimer's when you must be to do your minimum required duties. Each day spend quality time with them. Hold their hand and with a friendly face talk to them in pleasant tones. Brush their hair or gently stroke their head. Give them a back rub or massage. Give them hugs through out the day. A kiss upon the forehead or cheek. The touch of another can be one of the most comforting and healing things. Read or sing to them. It doesn't matter if they don't understand the will enjoy the interaction.

Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast. To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak... I noticed this by accident. On days when Edith can't get a recognizable word out and her confusion can't hide if I start to sing or hum a tune she will start to join me. I must repeat it several times before she starts. I have also had some success with children's rhymes.

This stuff stays in her memory longer for some reason. I can't sing and if you heard me you would either laugh or tell me to please stop it. Even though I can't carry a tune it works. So if you can't sing and it is embarrassing to you do it anyway. To think they told me in grade school that acting as the class clown wasn't going to help me in life.

Even if I make up the tune and the words. When I can't get her to remember 5 minutes ago when conversation is involved she will start singing or humming the tune a half hour later. If I can keep this up for a half hour or more it seems to help her regain her ability to access her language skills again. When she's having a day with communication difficulties it's worth trying. Every little bit I can stimulate her makes it easier on the both of us.

Music isn't just helpful for the person with Alzheimer's disease or Alzheimer's like symptoms it can really help the caregiver. When you have too much to do and feeling overwhelmed put on some music. Let it use it's charms to soothe the savage beast in you.