1. Denial about the
disease and its effect on the person who's been diagnosed.
I know Mom is going to get better.
2. Anger at the
person with Alzheimer's disease or at others; that no effective treatments or
cures currently exist; and that people don't understand what's going on.
If he asks me that one more time I'll
scream!
3. Social Withdrawal
from friends and activities that once brought pleasure.
I don't care about getting together with
neighbors anymore.
4. Anxiety about
facing another day and what the future holds.
What happens when he needs more care
than I can provide?
5. Depression begins
to break the spirit and affects the ability to cope.
I don't care about anything anymore.
6. Exhaustion makes
it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.
I'm too tired for this.
7. Sleeplessness
caused by a never-ending list of concerns.
What if she wanders out of the house or
falls and hurts herself?
8. Irritability
leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions.
Leave me alone!
9. Lack of concentration
makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
I was so busy, I forgot we had an
appointment.
10. Health problems
begin to take their toll, both mentally and physically.
I can't remember the last time I felt
good.
