I have no scientific study to cite on this; just my own observations. It seems that having routine tasks that must be done keeps someone who is developing Alzheimer’s or dementia sharper and more capable longer than people who don’t have any responsibilities.

For example, taking care of an ill relative. In one situation I know of, it came as a big shock, because this man seemed fairly alert right up until the week his wife, who had Alzheimer’s, died. The change was drastic. He went from being able to care for her, doing errands and even taking care of a bit of yardwork to wanting people to run red lights because he worried the ice cream might melt and being unable to figure out how to work the microwave. It was as if he knew he could give in to his illness since he had noone depending on him anymore.

Has anyone else noticed responsibilities like caring for another person or a pet seems to keep people suffering from these diseases from declining as rapidly?

Posted by on 11.03.2006 • Uncategorized