When a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, they oscillate between periods of acceptance and denial. They don't want to think or do anything about it. No one can blame them. They just received a life sentence in doubt. When do they stop recognizing their loved ones? How can they do it? They don't want to consider the possible likelihood of going to a nursing home. These questions and behaviors are a standard part of understanding and working with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. If everyone affected by this diagnosis – the sick person, the family, the healthcare workers – understands these phases, then they will be able to better manage the illness with a feeling of grace and support. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Denial is the first stage in accepting Alzheimer's, just as it is with most life-changing diseases and conditions. When they first hear the words, they don't want to believe them. They might go a few weeks without talking about it. Or they may commit to planning activities, even though there is a good chance those activities will not occur. This denial is completely normal and should be accepted as a necessary survival mechanism to achieve acceptance. For many people, this is the way they read the news. They need that time to reflect while they can. Part of this denial phase is not wanting to talk about it to friends and family. Television shows have perpetuated a stereotype of Alzheimer's patients as naive, violent, or extremely aggressive in behavior. These stereotypes can taint people's perceptions of the disease. The difficulty with stereotypes is that they don't fit everyone. The stigma of the diagnosis also has an impact. Some acquaintances and family members, upon hearing the news, may unconsciously distance themselves from the person in difficulty who has been diagnosed with the disease. Fear of the unknown also plays a role in denial and acceptance of Alzheimer's disease. Everyone knows that one day they will die, but when the future is clouded by uncertainty about how they will be able to perceive the world and their place in it, this can cause discomfort and fear. The fear is not that they will eventually die, but that they will completely lose who they were before. Because early diagnosis is critically important, the progression of Alzheimer's can take many years if diet and lifestyle changes are implemented. This time is crucial for adjustment. Taking things one step at a time is a very important part of the acceptance process. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay It is crucial to appreciate the feeling of missing out on disease diagnosis. Someone may have once been the breadwinner and now, as Alzheimer's progresses, their "position" is affected. This could lead to a serious blow to one's sense of importance and self-image. They want things to stay the same, but the reality of the situation doesn't allow that to happen. Keeping the person engaged on a daily basis and having a say in their life will help maintain their dignity for as long as possible.