Connecting with People Living with Early Stage Alzheimer's

• Date: 01 January 2024
• Author: Mike Lynch

Bifocal January-February 2024 Vol. 45, No. 3

103

Connecting with People

Living with

Early Stage Alzheimer’s

By Mike Lynch

Many Americans struggle with what to say and

do when a family member, friend, co-worker, or

neighbor is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or

another dementia. The shock of someone revealing

a dementia diagnosis can leave many at a loss for

how to engage with them. Efforts to be supportive

can be dampened by concerns of saying or doing the

wrong thing. Worse, not knowing what to say or do,

some individuals distance themselves from diagnosed

individuals, further deepening the sadness, stigma, and

isolation people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia

can experience following a diagnosis.

“In the wake of an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis,

most people want to do the right thing, but we’re not

always sure or know what the right thing is,” said

Monica Moreno, senior director, care and support,

Alzheimer’s Association. “A diagnosis may test

friendships. Friends may refuse to believe or have

trouble accepting a person’s diagnosis, withdrawing

from the person, leaving a feeling of abandonment or

isolation. Understanding the disease and the common

perspectives shared by people living with it can be

helpful in staying connected.”

The Alzheimer’s Association asked those living with

early-stage Alzheimer’s and other dementia what they

want others to know about living with the disease.

Here are six things they shared: