Seminars help those with memory loss on the mind

Losing your memory — way beyond day-to-day stress and forgetting where you put your car keys — has been called “the long goodbye.” Serious memory loss, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia, can quickly devastate a family if people don’t know what to do right at the beginning. But information is available, and the sooner you tap into it, the sooner you can take steps to help yourself and your loved ones.

In Moses Lake, Aging and Adult Care and the Alzheimer's Association are co-sponsoring a seminar in early April for those with early-stage memory loss and their care partners. The free seminars are scheduled from 1:30-3 p.m. April 5, 12, 19 and 26 at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake.

“Early-stage memory loss — someone who’s just been diagnosed — often they have no exposure to any information. It may be their first exposure to this disease; we want to give them information on how to cope,” said Joan Acres, community outreach coordinator with the Inland Northwest Alzheimer’s Association, and one of the instructors for the seminar.

Sessions will cover topics including: how to deal with daily challenges; the role of activity, family and relationships to maintain a healthy quality of life; how mood affects memory and what to do to improve it; and realistic plans to ensure you’re prepared for future needs.

Although ALTC has held a number of caregiver workshops, it has never had one on early-stage memory loss, Cleveland said.

“What we’re finding is that the needs of people are very different at the early stages,” she said. “They may be still trying to work. The person is aware they’re losing their memory.

They are less likely to be dealing with physical needs and the activities of daily living. They just need more education, and they need planning.” Because the seminar is structured for small groups, space is limited, and participants must commit to all four sessions, but a waiting list will be generated for a future event.

Acres said organizers are very excited about bringing the seminar to the Walla Walla area. Early-stage support is beneficial for those diagnosed and for their family members, and it is something the area has been lacking.

“It may be their first exposure to this disease,” she said. “We want to give them information on how to cope. The role of activities is important. Don’t just stop — life doesn’t stop. In the early stage they may be able to do things for years. In each individual it’s different. You want them to understand, don’t just go home and sit — keep up family relationships. Many types of dementia are treatable.”

Emotional well-being can play a large part in the quality of life for anyone.

“Keep a positive attitude, as possible as it can be with the diagnosis. If you’re depressed it can often be confused with dementia,” Acres said. “If you’re depressed, you can have trouble remembering things. Planning for the future can be addressed with an early diagnosis. In the early stages you’re still able to tell your family what you want. Your caregiver will feel more confident that they are doing what you wanted them to do.”

Staying active is strongly encouraged. “Exercise does what it does for everyone,” she said. “It releases those chemicals. Keep doing it, don’t stop. Do what your doctor says: eat right, exercise, get rest. Stay with a healthy lifestyle.”

Acres encouraged those with the illness, and their families, to stay upbeat and talk with each other.

“There are lots of challenges ... be open about it,” she said. “Realize they aren’t remembering like they used to. It’s OK to be honest with family and friends. Tell them, ‘I can’t do what I used to but I still want to be with you.’ Don’t cut yourself off from your loved ones.”

It used to be that these types of issues weren’t talked about. Acres said the communication process is increasing, and certainly helps with understanding and caring for the people with the disease and for their caregivers. The stigma that used to be attached to this type of illness is falling away as knowledge increases.

She encouraged those with the diagnosis to live their lives.

“Try new things,” she said. “If you’ve never painted before and you feel like doing it, do it.”

People who are interested in attending the workshops are encouraged to contact Brooks Bentzinger at 509-766-2568 ext. 313 as soon as possible to start the registration process.