Understanding the 5 A's of Alzheimer's Disease
If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you know it can be difficult to communicate with them at times. Understanding the 5 A’s of Alzheimer’s can help you.
Apraxia: inability to perform purposeful movements. When this happens, their brains and muscles just are not communicating.
Aphasia: inability to express oneself through speech, which may include the loss of ability to understand spoken, written, and signed language. Try speaking slowly, simplifying your message, and giving them ample time to reply.
Anomia: inability to remember names of things. Be patient with them; it may take a minute or a few for them to know what word they are looking for.
Amnesia: a loss of memory. Only give one instruction at a time; stay close and provide gentle reminders. Try to remind yourself that they are not willfully forgetting.
Agnosia: inability to recognize familiar objects, tastes, sounds, and other sensations. Try showing your loved one what you are talking about or how to operate the object. You can also try labeling objects and placing/storing things strategically (socks next to shoes, for example).
Alzheimer’s is a difficult disease and it keeps evolving; today and tomorrow can look totally different in someone who suffers from the disease. Whichever “A” your loved one is experiencing today, know that the key thing you can give them is patience. If you need additional support, contact us today to see how our memory care services can help.