Living with the Diagnosis
Employment
Our society places great emphasis and identity on one’s occupation, so when someone begins to struggle with memory issues, it creates great stress and frustration on many different levels. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease affects people under the age of 65, so the majority of these individuals will still be active in the workforce. In many cases, the workplace is often where symptoms are first noticed.
Some examples of ways these symptoms might manifest in the workplace could include:
- Forgetting to attend meetings
- Sending out a memo or letter, forgetting that it was sent out, and sending it again
- Difficulty using the telephone
- Misplacing files, projects, etc.
The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care can assist in educating your employees and coworker on symptoms, disease progression, and the importance of support systems for the person with memory problems/early onset Alzheimer’s disease. We can provide this assistance in the following ways:
- Develop educational materials customized for your employees and coworkers
- Conduct a training seminar for employees and coworkers
- Work hand-in-hand with your organization on modification of job tasks for the employee to ensure employment for as long as possible.
- Provide on-site inspection or safety checklists to ensure the safety of the person with early onset Alzheimer’s disease
Telling Others of Your Diagnosis
It is often difficult for people to understand how someone who is young and healthy can be battling a progressive brain disease. Telling others about the diagnosis can be an overwhelming and scary thing to consider.
Sometimes it is easier to write a letter informing friends and loved ones about the diagnosis. This can be a great way to share the diagnosis if you are nervous about face-to-face communication. When writing a letter, provide information about the diagnosis, symptoms, and ways they can help. Whichever method you choose to share the diagnosis, we advise that the person with early onset Alzheimer’s, as well as the care partner are in agreement on who should be told about the diagnosis and how the information should be shared.
The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care can assist you with writing a letter to share with your friends and family. We can also provide customized information based upon your diagnosis and symptoms that provide helpful tips and tools that can be shared with family, and friends, and your community of support.
Living Your Life
Living Your Life Living with early onset Alzheimer’s disease will be challenging, but the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care encourages you to be involved with your life. While it is true that early onset Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease, we believe in focusing on your strengths. There will be memories and cognitive abilities will diminish, and while your brain is changing, you are still using problem-solving and communication skills, as well as interacting with your loved ones each and every day. Continue to express your desire and ideas.
Establishing a daily routine provides a sense of familiarity and security. The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care will work with your care partner and loved ones so they can best create opportunities for you throughout each day.