Positive Behaviors for Long-term Illness

by Karen Favo Walsh

A comprehensive survey conducted by Harris International (2002) suggests millions of patients living with chronic illness gain better control of the illness by working with their physicians to implement five specific steps. These positive behaviors for dealing with illness can be used with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Patients in early stage Alzheimer's can implement behaviors on their own. As the disease progresses, caregivers become responsible. Ideally, the patient, physician and caregiver will make lifestyle decisions together.


Five Steps for Success

1. Get a prescription for information

Information helps patients and caregivers understand, accept and manage illness. Read and learn. Ask questions. The Harris International survey showed while patients access information on the Internet, 86% relied on doctors for information more than any other source. The physician's ability to explain facts to patients and caregivers is vital. Tap into your doctor as a resource. Always ask questions and request information.


2. Be aware of depression

Depression means more than feeling low. It's a serious barrier to managing illness. In Alzheimer's both caregiver and the patient are prone to depression. Learn the signs and symptoms of depression. Tell your doctor when problems occur. Physicians can watch for signs of depression and advise on ways to avoid or cope with it.


3. Make your physician your partner in care

Patients and physicians who collaborate--strike a balance of responsibility--are more successful in managing illness.

FROM THE SURVEY REPORT:
"Today's empowered consumer knows there are choices in care and therapy, and while patients look to their physicians for information and advice, 55% of successful patients say their physician usually selects treatment WITH them, not for them."


4. Take action immediately after diagnosis

Respond to an Alzheimer's diagnosis with evaluation of current lifestyle. Think about changes you need to make, and how you'll adapt to them. Patients and caregivers who avoid the issue, deny the diagnosis or withdraw, are less successful in management of the illness.

The Harris International survey specifically reports 65% of unsuccessful patients wished their condition "would just go away" at the time of diagnosis. 51% were afraid of becoming a burden.

"Patients were asked to think back to the diagnosis and talk about what would have been most helpful. The number one answer was learning more about their condition and symptoms earlier. However, an interesting disparity was identified between how much information physicians think they are providing and the amount of information patients believe they are receiving. Few patients said they had received information about Web sites from physicians, while more than half of the physicians interviewed said they provided it."


5. Make a healthy investment in yourself and your patient

In other chronic illnesses, successful patients make required changes in diet, exercise and daily activities. In Alzheimer's you need to make lifestyle changes in other areas. For example, in early stage AD, reminders and a system of checks and balances should be devised. Family, friends and patient work together. As behaviors or conditions change, so will activities. Driving, going out alone, cooking, hygiene and more are evaluated at each stage of AD.

Another positive behavior is for caregivers and patients to stay connected to the life they had before diagnosis. Continue to rely on people and things that have always been a source of strength.

Successful management of Alzheimer's seems a bizarre concept, but I promise if you involve family and friends, talk about the diagnosis, and research the disease so you understand what to expect, you will feel successful at coping with Alzheimer's.

Do your best and cover it in love.

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Karen Favo Walsh is the author of Alzheimer's Stories.
A Caregiver's Guide to Mismatched Outfits, Goofy Hair and
Beer for Breakfast. (ISBN 1-59113-418-8.)

Available online: http://www.booklocker.com/books/1428.html
or at Amazon.com or BN.com.
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This article may be freely reprinted/redistributed in any medium
as long as the entire article and author biography are included.
The information provided is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended to replace or substitute for medical, legal
or financial advice.
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