How Gratitude Can Help Us Cope with Dementia and Life's Challenges

Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. If you're struggling with dementia (whether you or your loved one has the diagnosis), it may be difficult to find things to be thankful for. It's just not always easy. But, according to research, there's a good reason to consider finding something about which you can give thanks- your own quality of life.

My mom used to quote the verse, "In everything give thanks." Notice that it doesn't say- "FOR everything." It says, "IN everything." And that's why despite our challenges, we can give thanks.

 

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us How Gratitude Can Help Us Cope with Dementia and Life's Challenges Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. If you're struggling with dementia (whether you or your loved one has the diagnosis), it may be difficult to find things to be thankful for. It's just not always easy. But, according to research, there's a good reason to consider finding something about which you can give thanks- your own quality of life. My mom used to quote the verse, "In everything give thanks." Notice that it doesn't say- "FOR everything." It says, "IN everything." And that's why despite our challenges, we can give thanks.   Esther Heerema, MSW Alzheimer's & Dementia Expert Using Gratitude to Cope with the Challenges of Alzheimer's   What is gratitude? First, what it's not. Gratitude is not closing your eyes and pretending that everything is fine, nor is it a "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" kind of attitude. It's not a way to avoid the losses and grief in life...Read more READ NOW Shopping for a Loved One with Dementia? Here's What to Buy   Going out on Black Friday to shop? Or perusing the internet for good ideas from the comfort of your own home? If you're looking for some ideas, here are a few thoughts on gift ideas for the different stages of dementia...Read more READ NOW A Dementia Caregiver's Wish List   If you've ever wanted to do something to encourage your friend or family member as a caregiver but haven't known what to do, here are some ideas to consider...Read more READ NOW The Complete Guide to Challenging Behaviors in Dementia   Did you know that 60-90% of people with dementia experience some challenging behaviors? Here's why this happens, and more importantly, here are some practical strategies to understand, prevent and respond to these behaviors...Read more READ NOW How to Handle Leaving a Loved One with Dementia After Visiting   Recently, someone posted online about the difficulty of leaving after visiting a loved one at a nursing home. I've seen this occur many, many times, and it can be heartbreaking for the person with dementia and their family members. Try these tips to make it easier... Read more READ NOW Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Homes   While your goal may be to keep your loved one home as long as possible, you might want to familiarize yourself with things like insurance, finances, and specialized dementia units, as well as how to find a good facility and how to advocate for a loved one effectively... Read more READ NOW Featured Articles • The 7 Best Fish for Omega-3 Fatty Acids • Why do Japanese Men Have Less Lung Cancer Even Though They Smoke More? • This Indian Plant Could Be Your Ticket to Weight Loss • Mandala Magic: The Cheap Activity for Quick Stress Relief • Art Activities Proven By Research To Relieve Stress • Can Coconut Oil Improve Your Thyroid? • Learn when, how and what to fuel your runner with to help them run their best! • Exercise Mistakes that Can Get Your Neck into Trouble Advertisement About Alzheimer's & Dementia  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Alzheimer's & Dementia newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.