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Matters of the Mind
By
Beverly Moore |
Question:
I’ve heard folks with Down syndrome get Alzheimer’s disease.
Is this true?
Answer:
People with Down syndrome are among those with disability
who are at highest risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Many of
these folks live in group homes and become part of a family
of other developmentally disabled people and their
caregivers from the Department of Mental Retardation. These
caregivers are special. They express to me they want to
learn how to relate with their residents. They are eager to
learn new ways to help the person with Down syndrome and
Alzheimer’s continue to feel successful at life.
There are special ways of relating that help the person with
MR and AD continue to participate in group home life.
Caregivers learn to further simplify tasks and
communication. The group home workers I’ve retrained are
amazed at the way they can help their residents with visual
cues, saying things simply and slowly while avoiding logic
and reasoning. Many of the same approaches that are so
valuable with the elder with Alzheimer’s also work for
people with developmental disability with Alzheimer’s.
This edition of South Shore Senior News includes a feature
article on the Quincy Senior Olympics, a show of the stamina
and skill of the athlete 55 years of age and above. There is
another group of people that participate in another
Olympics; the Special Olympics. These games are a test of
stamina and persistence of folks with development
disabilities. The two Olympics are a different set of games
altogether. Unlike the senior who may have had superior
skill in sports, the ‘special’ Olympian has been practicing
skills of everyday living since birth. To succeed in a
Special Olympics is a superior achievement. It is one of
celebration not only for one’s self but for one’s teammates.
Watch the games sometime. It is a heartwarming experience. |
About The Author
Beverly is
owner of Alzheimer Coaching Services which serves eastern
Massachusetts and Rhode Island. ACS offers coaching to
understand dementia and learn how to keep the person with
memory loss integrated in family life. Title III E Older
American Act grants provide free coaching to families in 45
towns and cities in the Bristol, south Norfolk, south shore
and West Suburban areas. No referral is necessary. There is
no restriction of income or age. Beverly’s company is
located in Quincy and she may be reached at (617) 233-1145.
You may read more about her company’s services at
www.alzheimercoachingservices. com. Look for Beverly’s book
Matters of the Mind…and the Heart to be released early 2008
Pre-order your copy @ www.Advantagebookstore.com.
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