June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and the piece below is one of several this month to educate the public about these critical topics.

THE impact of Alzheimer’s disease extends to both care partners (ie caregivers) and the person with the disease. Managing the disease can be challenging but there are ways to ease the burden.

Understanding what’s happening: The first step in helping someone with Alzheimer’s is to understand how it changes over time, what signs to look for, and what treatments are available. Knowing what to expect can help you get ready for the changes your loved one might go through.

In the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s you will see small changes in your loved one’s daily life. They might forget recent conversations or appointments, lose things more often, or find it hard to stick to their usual routines. Simple tasks like cooking or handling money might become difficult. Also, they might repeat questions or stories, have trouble finding the right words, or struggle to make decisions. While these changes might not seem big at first, they can get worse over time, affecting mostly new memories, thinking, and how they act. People with Alzheimer’s will also struggle with a lack of awareness of the changes they are facing, which may cause conflict with loved ones and family members. It’s important to notice these signs early and get them checked by a doctor so as to know what’s going on and receive help.

Communicating well: Good communication is important when you’re talking with someone who has Alzheimer’s. Keep your conversations simple, clear, and positive. Use gentle actions, keep eye contact, and be patient. It’s best not to correct or argue with them because that can make them feel upset.

Keeping a routine: Having a routine can help someone with Alzheimer’s feel more stable. Make daily plans for meals, activities, and rest to help them feel less confused or anxious. Doing familiar things can also help them remember things better.

Staying safe: Make sure the place where your loved one lives is safe for them. Get rid of things they could trip over, add handrails or bars in places they might need help, and think about adding locks or alarms on doors and windows to keep them from wandering off.

Getting help: Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s can be hard, both emotionally and physically. It’s important to reach out to others for support — whether it’s family, friends, support groups, or professional caregivers. Remember to take breaks and take care of yourself, too.

Finding happy moments: Even though Alzheimer’s can be tough there are still good times to be had. Spend time doing things your loved one enjoys, like listening to music, going for walks, or talking about happy memories together. Focus on making these moments special instead of thinking about the disease all the time.

Planning ahead: As Alzheimer’s gets worse it’s important to think about the future. Talk to doctors, financial experts, and legal advisors to make sure you have plans in place for care, money, and other important stuff.

Just know, you’re not alone in this. Reach out for help when you need it, stay informed, and hold on to the moments of love and connection with your family members. Together, you can face the challenges of Alzheimer’s with strength, kindness, and determination.

Robiann Broomfield is currently completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialisation in Neuropsychology. In addition, she is also completing her clinical internship at Baylor College of Medicine/TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in rehabilitation psychology and neuropsychology. Starting in September she will begin a fellowship at Harvard Medical School in neuropsychology.