When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010 at the age of 69, it was my first up-close experience with Alzheimer’s. My mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis impacted every part of our family life. She passed away in 2012, and as I reflect on her journey, I’m grateful for resources like Caregiver Action Network (CAN) that provided support and training for my Alzheimer’s caregiver experience.

Through CAN’s partnership with Embodied Labs, I explored the interactive Alzheimer’s training offered in the Beatriz Lab. I was intrigued yet apprehensive to see what Alzheimer’s was truly like for her—and ultimately, it changed my perspective on being an Alzheimer’s caregiver.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Experience with Embodied Labs

The Beatriz Lab training program, developed by Embodied Labs and made accessible through Caregiver Action Network, provides an innovative, virtual insight into what a loved one experiences with Alzheimer’s. Through this Alzheimer’s virtual training, I watched the stages of Alzheimer’s unfold from my mom’s perspective. I started to understand not only the impact of Alzheimer’s on families but also the frustration and confusion she might have felt every day. This experience was deeply moving and eye-opening.

Recognizing Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Signs

One key takeaway from the training was a look at various Alzheimer’s diagnosis signs that can manifest in subtle ways around the house. In my family, we had noticed the house gradually becoming more cluttered, with piles of unopened mail and empty containers stacked on countertops. At first, I chalked it up to my mom living alone since my dad’s passing in 2000. After her diagnosis, I realized she probably kept things in sight so she wouldn’t forget where they were. This insight is part of the invaluable Alzheimer’s family support that comes with virtual training through Embodied Labs, which helps caregivers recognize the early signs and know what to look for.

The Emotional Toll of Alzheimer’s on Family Dynamics

Alzheimer’s can reshape family dynamics and traditions, as each family member is affected differently by the changes in their loved one’s behavior and memory. During one of the Embodied Labs Alzheimer’s training videos, I watched a scene with “Beatriz” at a family gathering. While she was focused on a task, her family openly wondered, “What’s wrong with Mom?” right in front of her. This resonated with me and brought back memories of our family’s Christmas tradition—having lasagna on Christmas Eve. A few months after her diagnosis, my mom, who had made lasagna countless times, suddenly couldn’t remember the steps. From that point on, we made dinner together as a family, and it became a new tradition. These Alzheimer’s caregiving tips from the Embodied Labs experience reminded me of the importance of patience and adjusting our expectations in support of Alzheimer’s family dynamics.

Alzheimer’s and Music Therapy

Another key aspect of the training emphasized the power of music therapy. In one video, Beatriz became more responsive and engaged when her grandson played her favorite music. I found this particularly meaningful because, in my experience, music also had a calming effect on my mom. When she was agitated or distressed, playing familiar songs was sometimes the only thing that helped her relax. This was a comforting and effective Alzheimer’s coping strategy that I wish I’d discovered sooner.

What I Learned About Self-Care for Caregivers

Embodied Labs’ Alzheimer’s caregiver training emphasized not only understanding the disease but also the importance of self-care for caregivers. Alzheimer’s caregiving can be both mentally and emotionally taxing, and it’s crucial to find support systems and coping mechanisms for ourselves as well. Caregiver Action Network offers an entire resource library for family caregivers and provides support, Alzheimer’s family support resources, and tips on balancing the demands of caregiving while taking time for personal health.

Experiencing Alzheimer’s Through Embodied Labs

Before experiencing the Embodied Labs training, I thought Alzheimer’s was primarily harder on family members, watching as their loved one’s memory and personality changed. After watching the videos, I learned that for the person with Alzheimer’s, there’s often an awareness that something is wrong. The videos simulate the inner thoughts of someone with Alzheimer’s, who can’t quite understand why they’re making mistakes or why their family is upset. This insight completely changed how I view the emotional toll of Alzheimer’s on both caregivers and those diagnosed with the disease.

Caregiver Action Network Training and Free Alzheimer’s Resources

Caregiver Action Network has partnered with Embodied Labs to offer free, interactive Alzheimer’s training for caregivers, thanks to an award from the CalGrows Innovation Fund. This training helps caregivers experience the reality of Alzheimer’s through virtual, self-guided modules, enhancing their understanding and empathy. If you’re a caregiver living with a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you can access these insights firsthand with Alzheimer’s family support tools. Access to the training may require a simple confirmation of California residency.

If you’d like to hear more about the Alzheimer’s caregiver experience through someone who’s been there, or to explore additional Alzheimer’s caregiving tips and resources, check out Caregiver Action Network’s full array of support services for family caregivers.

By Jodi Koehn-Pike, Caregiver Action Network