by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: May 16, 2007   Last Updated: August 22, 2008

For some Alzheimer's disease is a constant state of confusion. It's similar to putting someone with very little driving experience in a traffic jam in New York City and expecting them to function. Think of all the horns honking. The people, cars, and conversations are coming at you from every direction. Now, put some one in that situation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This gives you a taste of Alzheimer's disease. With that in mind, let's look at some ways to calm down the traffic a little each day and make life a little bit easier.

The Alzheimer's disease patient faces getting dressed in the morning and for them it can be just one bad thing after another. They have to decide what to wear. Then actually getting the clothes on with zippers or buttons and right side out can be an overwhelming task. So here are some ideas to help manage that time.

Routine is important. Have the person try and get dressed the same time every day in a sequence of activities.

Encourage the person to dress him or herself as much as possible. Allow plenty of extra time so there is now sense of hurrying or pressure.

Looking at an entire closet of drawer full of clothes is providing too much stimulation and gives way too many choices. So narrow down the choices and put them out in sequence. If you don't want the person to wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes, lay them out alone in the beginning. While they are dressing keep yourself busy, but on hand. You want to put the clothes out so they can choose between the next two items and put the one they don't want away. This one or that one are enough choices.

Find clothing that is easy to get on and off. It may be worth it to have a tailor replace buttons and zippers with Velcro and elastic.

If you find comfortable clothing they like, buy a couple sets of it in different colors.

What is there for the Alzheimer's disease patient to do all day? It is usually easier to use activities that incorporate the skills they already posses. Learning new activities is a pretty tough sell.

Simple activities are best. Keep your expectations low and simple as well.

Be alert to the person's behavior. Watch for frustration or agitation. If this occurs either distract the person to another activity or help them. Be careful not to just take over.

Separate the activity or project into several small steps. You can give praise and encouragement for every step along the way. It is also easier to stop and then return the activity later.

Enroll then in a day services program a couple days a week. This is good for both the patient and the caregiver. It allows the patient some independence and social interaction. It gives the caregiver a break and that is equally important.

The patient may go through delusions and hallucinations during the latter part of the disease. Delusions are false beliefs from which the person can not be turned. For example, they may believe ten people are coming for dinner and they need to cook for them. There is no way to change their mind. Hallucinations are when the person hears, sees, smells, tastes or feels things that are not there. Although it is hard try not to argue about what the person is saying or feeling. Again, try and distract them or just listen and reassure them they are safe.

As a caregiver be sure you are getting the support needed so you can still have a productive life. Don't let the illness control every minute of your day as the caregiver.

There are many other topics and research available to help you care for your Alzheimer's disease patient. Use all the resources available to you.

Sources
www.webmet.com
www.nia.nih.gov

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