An Alzheimer’s diagnosis and your awareness of changes in your cognition can be damaging to your self-esteem, and you may doubt that friends will want to stay in your life. It’s true that some friends may pull away, but others will rally around you, Edgerly says. Think about the people you trust the most and lean into those relationships, she says. Be direct in asking for their help or support in specific ways and social situations.
You may also want to build new relationships during this time. For example, you might want to look into local Alzheimer’s support groups. Meeting others with your same diagnosis helps normalize the experience, Catanzaro says.
“You realize there are other people going through this, and they’re feeling the same things, and you can talk about it [without] judgment,” Berkheiser says. Plus, you don’t even have to meet in person. The Alzheimer’s Association operates an app and an online forum where you can connect with others who have the disease and their caregivers. (The organization also runs a free 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 if you’re having a hard time finding necessary resources or support.)
A therapist or counselor you see individually may also be able to help you process this diagnosis, navigate changing emotions as your condition progresses, and support you through any mental health challenges that arise, Edgerly says. It’s a smart move to look for someone with experience working with people with Alzheimer’s disease, she adds.
Think about implementing some workarounds that can help you stay up-to-date on key details about your friendships that are getting harder to remember. For example, Catanzaro suggests making an index card before you meet a friend with the name of their kids or grandkids or other details that might give you a little comfort to be able to refer to on the sly.
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