2019 Wellness

2019 Wellness Expo LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Thursday, February 21, 2019 Page 23 5. Go it alone. Rugged individualism may be an American tradition, but when you are dealing with memory loss, you need someone to help you. A spouse or family member may be your best ally and accountability partner, but the issue must be negotiated openly and directly. Isolation intensifies confusion. 6. Look only at the end-stage of disease. Most people have an image of an end- stage Alzheimer’s victim lying in a fetal position, staring at the ceiling with no response to the surroundings. But the end-stage of any disease is a frightening image. The many intervening years may provide many opportunities for joy and shared experiences. Don’t give up these treasures out of fear of an end that you may never experience. Nobody should say that losing your ability to remember is not a serious problem. But careful and strategic actions can help you and your loved one face the challenge more effectively. The author is a retired professor and pastoral counselor who was caregiver for his late father and his late wife, both of whom had Alzheimer’s Disease. He is also a facilitator for the Logan County Alzheimer’s Support Group which meets 1:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Oasis Seniors Center, 2810 Woodlawn Rd, Lincoln, IL