Nothing Stays The Same

By: Michelle Remold

As we grow up one of the hardest lessons to learn is that things always change and never stay the same. This perhaps is why it can be difficult for people to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, I think it is easy to try to remember the person as their former self and to resist changes brought on by the disease. At first resisting these changes may be easy to do, but it isn’t always what is best. Some of the best moments can be missed if you stay focused on the past and what was.

Things constantly shift and change, no matter what it is.  Undergoing changes may be due to a diagnosis, growing up, or moving away.  There are many factors that contribute to changes in life. I think that dealing with change involves two things. The first is being able to accept change and adapting to the new things that change brings about. Being able to appreciate the things that seem to remain constant is also important when it comes to dealing with change.  Things like family and close friends are what make adapting to change a little easier. Being able to rely on constant factors make change seem less daunting.

I think the most important thing is to be supportive in times of change. The things changing might be great or they may not always bring about good things, but you never know how much being there for someone will mean to them. Embrace change, it might even create some of your best memories.

Michelle graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with her Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology: Social Sciences and a minor in Family Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Aging Studies and Nursing Home Administration from Minnesota State University Mankato.