November is when we officially recognize Alzheimer's, but something remarkable happens every day: people are finding new ways to connect, share joy, and celebrate moments with those affected by this condition.
I've noticed something interesting about how people adapt to Alzheimer's. While it changes how memory works, it often reveals unexpected gifts: moments of pure joy, surprising humor, and a remarkable ability to live fully in the present.
The daily reality with Alzheimer's teaches us something valuable. It shows us how to appreciate simple pleasures: the taste of favorite foods, the comfort of familiar songs, the warmth of holding hands. These moments don't require memory to be meaningful.
What makes Alzheimer's unique isn't the challenges - it's how it can transform our understanding of connection. When someone can't remember what happened five minutes ago, every moment becomes an opportunity for a new hello, a new smile, a new connection.
This points to something interesting about human relationships. We often think they depend on shared memories, but there's something deeper: emotional connections that persist even when memories fade. A person with Alzheimer's might not remember your name, but they remember how you make them feel.
The best caregivers I've known share a particular gift. It's the ability to find joy in small victories and humor in unexpected places. They've discovered that every day holds possibilities for meaningful connection, even if those connections look different than before.
This is actually quite remarkable. Most of us think we need elaborate plans or perfect circumstances to create good moments. But people living with Alzheimer's show us how simple ingredients - music, touch, laughter - can create real happiness.
The surprising thing is how this focus on the present moment can enrich life. When you stop worrying about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow, you start noticing the beauty available right now.
There's something medical professionals have observed: music often reaches people even when words fail. Someone who hasn't spoken all day might suddenly sing along to an old favorite song. These moments show us that connection finds its own paths.
This points to something deeper about human resilience. We're remarkably adaptable at finding new ways to express love and share joy, even when familiar routes become unavailable.
Most families living with Alzheimer's discover this eventually: while some doors close, others open. Instead of focusing on what's lost, they learn to celebrate what remains: the capacity for joy, for love, for connection.
This wouldn't just help people dealing with Alzheimer's. It would help everyone. Because these lessons about finding joy in simple moments and connecting beyond words make all relationships richer.
The time to learn about Alzheimer's isn't just when we need to. It's any time, because the wisdom gained from those living with it - about staying present, finding joy in small moments, and connecting in new ways - enriches all our lives.
We're making progress in understanding Alzheimer's every day. Meanwhile, people are discovering creative ways to maintain connections and create joyful moments. Support groups share techniques that work. Art programs unlock new forms of expression. Music brings people together.
The best way to recognize Alzheimer's isn't just by acknowledging its challenges. It's by celebrating the creativity, resilience, and love that people bring to living with it. Because while memory may fade, the capacity for joy remains strong.
The mark of a good day isn't whether someone remembers it tomorrow. It's whether they enjoyed it today. And by that measure, people living with Alzheimer's and their loved ones create countless good days, finding ways to share love and joy in each present moment.
Fritzi Gros-Daillon MS, CSA, CAPS, UDCP, SHSS
Household Guardians, Owner
2019 NAHB Instructor of the Year
Published author of "Grace and Grit: Insights to Real Life Challenges of Aging"
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