How to Handle a Patient With Alzheimer's Disease

Handling a person with Alzheimer's disease challenges you as a family member. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease of the brain that leads to irreversible impairments in memory, judgment and language. Because of this, the responsibility of handling someone with this disease gets overwhelming without a strategy. Each day brings new worries and difficulties because of the decline of your loved one as the Alzheimer's disease progresses. Difficult behaviors often arise, bringing on new problems. Have a plan that maximizes the ability of the person with Alzheimer's disease, makes both of you smile at the end of the day and keeps your stress level down.

Instructions

• 1

  Focus on the abilities that the patient with Alzheimer's disease still has rather than on what abilities he has lost.

• 2

  Keep his mind active. Find mentally stimulating yet simple projects that can be done in steps. Break down tasks into the easiest levels possible so they are successfully completed.

• 3

  Learn to adapt and modify activities she used to enjoy. For example: Give her easier crossword puzzles or word searches. Offer hints. Only do a couple of words at a time.

• 4

  Exercise together. Exercise is good for your mind and his. You both sleep better with daily exercise.

• 5

  Allow the patient with Alzheimer's disease to keep as much independence as possible.

• 6

  Be complimentary. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, patients often realize that something is wrong. Compliments make them feel better.

• 7

  Give out plenty of hugs.

• 8

  Go with the flow. If things do not go as planned, do not panic, rather accept what happened and move on.

• 9

  Help the patient with Alzheimer's disease to communicate. He may have trouble finding the right word to use. Help him in a kind, gentle way.

• 10

  Set up a daily routine but be flexible.

• 11

  Never argue. A patient with Alzheimer's disease thinks what she perceives is real. You will not convince her otherwise. Logic does not work.

• 12

  Stop agitated behavior early. Refocus and redirect the patient to another, enjoyed activity.

• 13

  Enroll the patient with Alzheimer's disease in adult day care. Having him there several days a week gives you some rest and a chance to recharge. Day care allows socialization with peers while having fun.

• 14

  Join a support group in person or online. You will get some great tips and advice.