Life skills of people with alzheimer's disease Patricia S. Babida... [et. al]

Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Psychology) -- University of Rizal System-Morong.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The study entitled "Life Skills of People with Alzheimer's Disease". The researchers conducted the study with the purpose of determining the life skills and coping mechanisms of people with Alzheimer's disease. There were five (5) selected participants, two (2) coming from the institutions of Tahanang Balik Alay in Taytay, Rizal and three (3) within non institution in the selected barangays in Teresa such as barangay May iba Teresa, Rizal, barangay San Gabriel Teresa, Rizal and barangay Bagumbayan Teresa, Rizal. This study made us of case study type of descriptive qualitative method of research. It utilized a researcher-made structured interview and did not involve measurement of statistics. It is a method of inquiry employed in many different academic disciplines traditionally in social sciences. It founded that the respondents' memories are declining because of their condition. The respondents mostly classify by their age and most likely by the past events that happen to them. The institution helps the patient with Alzheimer's to release their emotions. From the findings of the research the when it comes to psycho-social skills of a people with an Alzheimer's disease were declining. They can't think properly due to declining of brain neurons and its affects the reflective skills. They are not open in deeper understanding of thoughts. They can/t decide by their own, when simple problems occur, they can't solve it easily without the help of others. When it comes to their personal skills of a people with Alzheimer's disease, it reduces their awareness of the surroundings including themselves. In middle stage cases, the patients forgot that they are full; they insist that they smell good though not. Interpersonal skills are also affected negatively because they are unable to communicate well, always repeating the topic. When it comes to good life skills, some of the patients can be seen gladness and acceptance of their situation which means that they respect the limits of what they can still do. A person with Alzheimer's disease is sociable but it depends in their personality and mood and to whom they chat with. Nonverbal communication is important to communicate with them easily. In that way they can express their feelings to loved ones especially to their caregivers. Tolerance is inconsistent because they deny that they have an illness. The result of the study for people with Alzheimer's disease concludes that they have slow psycho-social skills due to decreased reflective skills, problem solving and also critical thinking. They have low personal skills because of decline self-awareness and inability to communicate well. The qualities of good life skills like self-respect. Sociability and tolerance have fall short due to their condition. Though they are lacking of life skills, but they can still find purpose to live their life. It is therefore recommended that the Department of Health should conduct programs that will discuss the importance of Alzheimer's disease so that more people will be aware to prevent it and to gain knowledge in caring those people who have this condition. And the Department of Health should also provide the needs of the elders that have Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's disease Association should implement program that will prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. The family should also know the proper way of caring their loved ones that have an Alzheimer's disease.