As the age of family members increases, so do the chances of developing neurological illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s association estimated that 5.7 million Americans had Alzheimer’s dementia in 2018 (367). When one of the family members develops such an illness, it may have detrimental effects not only on the life of the ill individual but also on the entire family. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the potential ways to prepare family members and relatives for the consequences of dementia and reduce the adverse impact that the sickness may have on other people. I believe that proper communication between family members, emotional support, and being prepared for the role of caregiver reduces the detrimental effect on the family life after the diagnosis.
The essay will have the following structure:
The introduction will present relevant facts about Alzheimer’s disease and provide an overall image of the importance of being prepared for the consequences of the illness. The first section of the essay’s body part will introduce the effects of the disease on the person who has developed Alzheimer’s, including cognitive and functional problems and behavioral alterations (Zvěřová 3). It will also describe the dangers and challenges imposed on family members, including emotional distress, depression, relations issues, and declining intimate relationships (Lee 119). The second section will provide valuable insights into the strategies that will help to cope with the changing familial and personal environment. Clear and supportive communication may reduce misunderstandings and conflicts between family members. In addition, another essential strategy to mitigate the negative influence of the disease involves receiving the necessary information about Alzheimer’s dementia, including potential behavioral changes and memory loss. Finally, Lee states that emotional support helps caregivers endure the problematic adaptation to their new role (120). The conclusion will summarise the challenges connected with the illness and strategies to reduce the detrimental effects on families and relatives.
Works Cited
Alzheimer’s Association. “2018 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia, vol. 14, no. 3, 2018, pp. 367-429.
Lee, Kyungmi, et al. “Transitioning into the caregiver role following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia: A scoping review.” International journal of nursing studies, vol. 96, no. 1, 2019, pp. 119-131.
Zvěřová, Martina. “Clinical aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.” Clinical biochemistry, vol. 72, no. 1, 2019, pp. 3-6.