Learning about Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia through research and documentation is extremely important for treating and finding cures for these diseases. While we can learn immensely from research, hearing first-hand accounts is also incredibly important.
Karen Weede is a 73-year-old woman who has been living with early-stage Alzheimer's since her diagnosis in 2017. She has compiled a list of 8 tips for people who are living with early-stage Alzheimer's.
- Listen to music that you enjoy. Music is a great form of therapy that can lift your mood.
- Exercise regularly. Karen walks 3 miles a day; however, any form and duration of exercise is good!
- Develop a positive attitude. Try to be present for the moment and don't be afraid to try meditation.
- Take time to read positive news sources. There is so much negativity in our world and many mainstream news sources focus only on the bad instead of the good. However, it is not impossible to find positive news. Instead of listening to news that brings you down, try to find news that lifts you up!
- Do what makes you happy. Take time to read, cook, go outside, or do whatever gives you joy. Don't be afraid to listen to your body and respond with what it needs.
- Laugh often. Laughter truly is the best medicine and can change your mood in an instant.
- Participate in clinical trials. You can sign up for trials with TrialMatch, which can help lead to cures!
- Remain hopeful. Research progresses every day and you never know when a new treatment may be developed. Do what you can to participate in trials, but in the meantime, don't lose hope.
Sources: https://alz.org/blog/alz/may-2020/living-with-early-stage-alzheimer-s-during-covid-1?WT.mc_id=enews2020_06_10&utm_source=enews-aff-90&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2020-06-10&utm_content=homeoffice&utm_term=Story1
https://alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/clinical-trials/about-clinical-trials
