Wonderful Alzheimers Information
“Denial means more problems for caregivers and their loved ones”
By Risa Levovsky
WWW.ALZHEIMERS-TIPS.COM
As you experience the effects of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms
of memory loss, it may seem like you are riding a scary emotional
roller coaster. The emotions you are facing on this wild ride may
leave you feeling depressed, angry, frustrated, lonely, or helpless.
Take time to identify with and learn about these emotions. With this
new understanding, the ups and downs of the roller coaster will
become less of a wild ride for you.
Denial is an emotion and coping mechanism for many caregivers. Many
husbands and wives may cover up the initial symptoms of their
spouse’s illness. Family members ignore warning signs. They convince
themselves that the changes they see are just a normal part of
aging.
Denial is a way some people temporarily cope with this difficult
situation. By denying its existence, they don’t have to cope with
the long difficult experience they are about to face.
A caregivers share her struggle with denial:
Living in denial of my wife’s illness has enabled me to continue
functioning as a human being on a daily basis. Once I accept the
magnitude of this illness, I know that I will be overcome with fear.
Caregivers may choose to live in denial for any of the following
reasons:
*Caregivers are not willing to accept that their loved one suffers
from a disease that has no known cure.
*Caregivers are not willing to accept that living with this disease
may mean that they must change their lifestyle to meet the needs of
the person
with the disease.
*Caregivers feel that if they ignore it, their loved one will
magically get better.
*Caregivers fear that it may also happen to them.
Caution! Living in denial may also have some negative implications.
As caregivers live in denial, the person with memory loss is
deprived of a proper diagnosis, early treatment options, and no
plans may be made for the future.
In addition the person with memory loss may be at risk for
wandering, falling, malnutrition, dehydration, and medication errors
leading to much more serious consequences.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, go to www.Alzheimers-
tips.com
Risa Levovsky
Gerontologist-Author-Journalist-Advocate For Successful Aging