Giving A Voice To Those With Dementia

According the to Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. The symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen through time. Those that have this form of dementia will portray certain symptoms, such as forgetting recent information, important dates, and constantly asking for the same thing continuously. People with Alzheimer’s end up relying on tools to remind them of things they need to do. It becomes difficult to do simple daily tasks they have done their whole life, for example cooking a family recipe they have used for years. Some may end up misplacing objects around the house, for instance putting a cup in the clothing drawer. Not only but, they can become disoriented and get lost in places they know, it can also affect visual imaging making it dangerous to drive. Slowly it can affect their social life, people with Alzheimer’s can withdraw themselves and become anxious, depressed and suspicious of everyone.

This is a disease that can affect anyone and it is important to create secure places where people can feel accepted, recieve support and are safe. According the the CDC 5 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s and the amount of people with it doubles every 5 years. The CDC predicts that by the year 2050 it will be 14 million people affected. At the current moment there are no cures, for Alzheimer’s only treatments. The NIH has established different medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s. These drugs target the neurotransmitters and try to help the patient maintain memory and communication skills.This is why it is important to establish support groups, such as Giving a Voice for those who have Alzheimer’s.

Giving Voice Chorus is a choral ensemble created for those with Alzheimer’s, different dementias and their caregivers. The people that participate in this organization recieve a source of therapy and at the same time create new friendships. Its a place of support, everyone is dealing with the same issues and their in this together. This group gives hope to those with dementia.

“Despite an uncertain future, we can sing today, we can live in this moment and give voice to those who are on the road of Alzheimer’s and dementia in our community.” ~Marvin Lofquist

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Let’s help those with Alzheimer’s feel accepted and loved. It is not a disease to feel ashamed off. It is okay to ask for help. If you or anyone you know has Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, just know that their are different support groups out there that you can join and receive the support you need.

Sources

Alzheimer’s Association. (2016). What is Alzheimer’s? Retrieved from: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp

CDC. (2015). Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm

NIH. (2015). About Alzheimer’s Disease: Treatment. Retrieved from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/topics/treatment