Memory Loss and Quality of Life

As Alzheimer’s Awareness month begins, it’s important to consider the thoughts and feelings of the individual with the disease including their needs and desires. A study from the United Kingdoms’ Alzheimer’s Society, highlighted at the Alzheimer’s Disease International conference earlier this year, looked at understanding the factors that influence quality of life for a person with dementia.
Previous studies have shown that individuals with dementia report dramatic changes in the attitudes of those around them following diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is shared, individuals report being treated differently: longtime friends and family members may speak with them less frequently or less directly and medical professionals speak with family members only, often ignoring the individual with the disease.
The key quality of life indicators and findings for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease were rated, in order of importance, as follows: relationships and having someone to talk to, surroundings/environment, physical health, sense of humor, independence, ability to communicate, sense of personal identity, ability to engage in activities, ability to practice faith or religion, and going through the experience without stigma (being treated fairly).
Despite Alzheimer’s disease being a progressive illness that severely affects cognitive functions, individuals with the disease are able to indicate what quality of life is for themselves. In this study quality of life is not indicated by the caregivers, rather by the individuals with the disease themselves.
The most important quality of life indicator was having a relationship, defined as having someone to talk with. In this month of November, recognizing Alzheimer’s disease and those that live with it daily, who will you find time to connect with and talk to?