Faith, Trust, Acceptance, Attitude
I've been attending Alzheimer Support group meetings with my mom once a month since my step-dad was diagnosed with the disease.
Last week a remarkable gentleman, Phil, spoke to the group about his diagnosis at an early age (Phil is now 60). Phil has a positive attitude, keeps stress out of his life as much as possible and is doing all the right things to manage Alzheimer's - or as he refers to it, "Flops."
He also said something that I think everyone needs to be aware of. People with "Flops," do not dumb down once they are diagnosed. They are still able to think-it might take them a little extra time to get those thoughts out.
Phil still drives, with the aid of his GPS and still makes trips to the store, which sometimes can be challenging for him. If he cannot find an item he will ask a sales clerk or associate where the item is and that they lead him to it. If he gets a strange look, he will explain that he has Alzheimer's and that by the time he gets to the aisle where the item in question is located, he will forget why he is there. Something to think about the next time you are out and about and see someone that might need your help. Just ask if you can help.
What I have learned from attending the support group meetings is that Alzheimer's is going to double in the next several years with the baby boomer generation. That said, we need to educate ourselves as much as possible about this disease and learn what we can do to help.
Phil has a blog and I encourage you to visit it for insight on how he is dealing with "Flops." Phil's blog is http://myfriendflops.blogspot.com/
Phil said he deals with Flops through faith, trust, acceptance and attitude - something that we can all apply to our daily lives.
Last week a remarkable gentleman, Phil, spoke to the group about his diagnosis at an early age (Phil is now 60). Phil has a positive attitude, keeps stress out of his life as much as possible and is doing all the right things to manage Alzheimer's - or as he refers to it, "Flops."
He also said something that I think everyone needs to be aware of. People with "Flops," do not dumb down once they are diagnosed. They are still able to think-it might take them a little extra time to get those thoughts out.
Phil still drives, with the aid of his GPS and still makes trips to the store, which sometimes can be challenging for him. If he cannot find an item he will ask a sales clerk or associate where the item is and that they lead him to it. If he gets a strange look, he will explain that he has Alzheimer's and that by the time he gets to the aisle where the item in question is located, he will forget why he is there. Something to think about the next time you are out and about and see someone that might need your help. Just ask if you can help.
What I have learned from attending the support group meetings is that Alzheimer's is going to double in the next several years with the baby boomer generation. That said, we need to educate ourselves as much as possible about this disease and learn what we can do to help.
Phil has a blog and I encourage you to visit it for insight on how he is dealing with "Flops." Phil's blog is http://myfriendflops.blogspot.com/
Phil said he deals with Flops through faith, trust, acceptance and attitude - something that we can all apply to our daily lives.
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