
How does Alzheimer’s affect perception?
But Alzheimer’s affects perception in a way that makes understanding the world difficult. Special nerves in the eyes convert light into electric impulses which are transported by the optic nerve to the brain – and we see. Sound waves influence the sensitive mechanisms in our inner ear to send a message to the brain and we hear.
Do Alzheimer’s patients change their personality and behavior?
This article has suggestions that may help you understand and cope with changes in personality and behavior in a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Common personality and behavior changes you may see include: You also may notice that the person stops caring about how he or she looks, stops bathing, and wants to wear the same clothes every day.
Do patients with Alzheimer’s disease overestimate their memory abilities?
Similar to Reisberg (1985), they also found that patients with AD tend to overestimate their memory abilities, particularly on cognitive tasks in which their performance has changed most dramatically as a consequence of dementia (delayed verbal recall, visual memory, working memory).
Why do people with Alzheimer's not recognize loved ones?
Why People with Alzheimer's are Unable to Recognize their Loved Ones As Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia advance, the ability to recognize the faces of loved ones diminishes. As it does, family relationships often diminish as well and many people with Alzheimer’s become isolated and lonely.

How does Alzheimer's affect perception?
How can dementia affect perception? Dementia can interrupt or slow this process down, which changes how a person understands the world around them. Damage to the eyes or parts of the brain may cause misperceptions, misidentifications, hallucinations, delusions and time-shifting.
How does Alzheimer's affect the individual?
As Alzheimer's worsens, people experience greater memory loss and other cognitive difficulties. Problems can include wandering and getting lost, trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, and personality and behavior changes.
In what ways can orientation be affected for a person with dementia?
Multiple studies have demonstrated that the use of reality orientation has improved cognitive functioning for people living with dementia when compared to control groups who did not receive it. Reality orientation also has been shown to improve cognition when accompanied by medication.
How dementia can affect an individual's ability to make themselves understood?
Dementia is a progressive illness that, over time, will affect a person's ability to remember and understand basic everyday facts, such as names, dates and places. Dementia will gradually affect the way a person communicates. Their ability to present rational ideas and to reason clearly will change.
How you think dementia could affect the life of the person who has it and their family?
A diagnosis of dementia can have a huge impact on a person's life. Someone recently diagnosed with dementia is likely to experience a range of emotions. These may include grief, loss, anger, shock, fear, disbelief and even relief.
What are some of the greatest challenges faced by Alzheimer's patients?
From their research, they found that the most challenging Alzheimer's behaviors were:Agitation or aggression (25%)Repetitive speech or actions (12%)Wandering or restlessness (10%)Incontinence or constipation (10%)Late-day confusion (8%)Sleeplessness (6%)Refusal to eat (5%)Paranoia (5%)More items...•
What is reality orientation for dementia patients?
Reality orientation provides information about the environment to orientate a person with dementia to their surroundings using aids and prompts. Reminiscence therapy promotes memory and recall by reviewing past events, assisted by multimedia memory aids.
What interventions may be used to increase a patient's orientation to reality?
Reality Orientation may be combined with other techniques including music therapy, reminiscence therapy, cognitive training, cognitive stimulation training, as well as cholinesterase inhibitors (Chiu et al. 2018; Onieva-Zafra et al.
Why it is sometimes more helpful to accept the reality experienced by the person with dementia than try to change it?
Validation Therapy advocates that, rather than trying to bring the person with dementia back to our reality, it is more positive to enter their reality. In this way empathy is developed with the person, building trust and a sense of security. This in turn reduces anxiety.
How can a person with Alzheimer's communicate effectively?
Tips for successful communication:Engage the person in one-on-one conversation in a quiet space that has minimal distractions.Speak slowly and clearly.Maintain eye contact. ... Give the person plenty of time to respond so he or she can think about what to say.Be patient and offer reassurance. ... Ask one question at a time.More items...
Why do dementia patients struggle to communicate?
As well as difficulties with how they use words and language, people with dementia are likely to have sight or hearing problems which can also make it harder to communicate. As more people begin to use smartphones and tablets, you might find that you and the person you care for communicate more through video calls.
How memory impairment can affect the ability of an individual with dementia to use verbal language?
Persons living with dementia experience changes in the brain's temporal lobe that affect their ability to process language. Even in the disease's early stages, caregivers may notice a decline in formal language (vocabulary, comprehension, and speech production), which all humans rely upon to communicate verbally.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a global public health problem with an ageing population . Knowledge is essential to promote early awareness, diagnosis and treatment of AD symptoms. AD knowledge is influenced by many cultural factors including cultural beliefs, attitudes and language barriers. This study aims: (1) to define AD knowledge level and perceptions amongst adults between 18 and 49 years of age in the UK; (2) to compare knowledge and perceptions of AD among three main ethnic groups (Asian, Blacks, and Whites); and (3) to assess potential associations of age, gender, education level, affinity with older people (65 or over), family history and caregiving history with AD knowledge.
Why do ethnic groups differ in knowledge and perceptions with regards to AD?
Ethnic groups may differ in knowledge and perceptions with regards to AD due to differences in socio-economic variables (e.g. educational level, income level, and having a family member with AD) as well as cultural drivers [ 26, 27 ].
How many people have dementia in the UK?
Dementia has become a priority global public health problem in the context of the ageing populations [ 1 ], affecting approximately 44 million individuals with dementia worldwide. Approximately 850,000 individuals have dementia in the UK [ 2 ]. It is estimated this number will reach 2 million by 2050.
How much does dementia cost the UK?
In 2019, dementia resulted in a total cost to the UK economy of £34.7 billion [ 3 ]. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and is diagnosed in almost 75% of cases in the UK [ 4, 5 ]. AD is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease.
Is AD a neurodegenerative disease?
AD is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease. It does not only lead to loss of memory but also causes deterioration in other fields of mental function and in activities of daily living, accompanied by changes in personality and behaviour [ 6, 7, 8, 9 ].
Is AD knowledge level adequate for all ethnic groups?
The study’s findings suggest that the AD knowledge level is not adequate for all ethnic groups. Meanwhile, significant differences were observed in symptoms, between ethnic groups, and therefore, differ in their needs regards health communication.
How does Alzheimer's affect behavior?
Other Factors That Can Affect Behavior. In addition to changes in the brain, other things may affect how people with Alzheimer’s behave: Other problems in their surroundings may affect behavior for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Too much noise, such as TV, radio, or many people talking at once can cause frustration and confusion.
What are the physical problems associated with Alzheimer's?
Other physical issues like infections, constipation, hunger or thirst, or problems seeing or hearing. Other problems in their surroundings may affect behavior for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Too much noise, such as TV, radio, or many people talking at once can cause frustration and confusion.
What is the number to contact Alzheimer's?
Explore the Alzheimers.gov portal for information and resources on Alzheimer’s and related dementias from across the federal government. Alzheimer's Association. 800-272-3900 (toll-free) 866-403-3073 (TTY/toll-free) [email protected].
What is the phone number for Alzheimer's?
If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's & Dementia, please call us at 1-800-438-4380, Mon-Fri, 8:30 am-5:00 pm Eastern Time or send an email to [email protected].
How to help people who pace a lot?
Give people who pace a lot a safe place to walk. Provide comfortable, sturdy shoes. Give them light snacks to eat as they walk, so they don’t lose too much weight, and make sure they have enough to drink.
What are the signs of personality change?
Common personality and behavior changes you may see include: Getting upset, worried, and angry more easily. Acting depressed or not interested in things. Hiding things or believing other people are hiding things. Imagining things that aren’t there. Wandering away from home.
Does Alzheimer's disease cause brain damage?
Alzheimer’s disease causes brain cells to die, so the brain works less well over time. This changes how a person acts. This article has suggestions that may help you understand and cope with changes in personality and behavior in a person with Alzheimer’s disease.
How many people will have Alzheimer's by 2050?
The overall prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is rapidly increasing, with an estimated 16 million diagnosed cases projected by the year 2050 (NIH Alzheimer’s disease Fact Sheet, 2005). A whole generation of baby boomers are aging and reaching a vulnerable stage where they are susceptible to neurodegenerative disorders. AD is the leading cause of dementia in the general US population (Cummings Jl, 2002, van Dyck et al., 2007) and is often associated with a high risk of comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders, which further strain medical center and family resources due to their high direct and indirect costs (Fillit and Hill, 2004). As health systems prepare to accommodate an influx of dementing older adults across the US, it is particularly important to develop effective, targeted treatments to halt or delay the onset of cognitive decline associated with AD. Even if the delay is only temporary, doing so may have a significant positive impact on the high treatment costs associated with AD. Indeed, preventing a 2-point decline on the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) could save a family thousands of dollars annually, while a 2-point increase in MMSE score would save even more (Ernst Rl, 1997).
How does cognitive rehabilitation help with Alzheimer's?
Cognitive rehabilitation therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are becoming more readily available to the geriatric population in an attempt to curb the insidious decline in cognitive and functional performance . However, people with AD may have difficulty adhering to these cognitive treatments due to denial of memory deficits, compromised brain systems, cognitive incapacity for self-awareness, general difficulty following through on daily tasks, lack of motivation, hopelessness, and apathy, all of which may be either due to the illness or be secondary to depression. Cognitive rehabilitation training exercises are also labor intensive and, unfortunately, serve as a repeated reminder about the memory impairments and attendant functional consequences. In order for cognitive rehabilitation methods to be effective, patients must be adequately engaged and motivated to not only begin a rehabilitation program but also to remain involved in the intervention until a therapeutic dosage can be attained. We review approaches to cognitive rehabilitation in AD, neuropsychological as well as psychological obstacles to effective treatment in this population, and methods that target adherence to treatment and may therefore be applicable to cognitive rehabilitation therapies for AD. The goal is to stimulate discussion among researchers and clinicians alike on how treatment effects may be mediated by engagement in treatment, and what can be done to enhance patient adherence for cognitive rehabilitation therapies in order to obtain greater cognitive and functional benefits from the treatment itself.
How does awareness affect CR?
Operationalizing awareness and the influences of cognitive deterioration and anosognosia plays an important role in engaging patients in a labor-intensive treatment such as CR. Earlier views did not perceive denial or unawareness as necessarily unconstructive or harmful, just as a mechanism to adapt or cope, especially in the early stages of illness (Weinstein, 1991). However, more evidence has come to light in brain injury and dementia that denial may interfere with progress in CR. The implications for CR are significant in relation to AD, as recent attempts to develop CR approaches have indicated that higher levels of awareness of difficulties appear to be associated with better outcome. For example, Koltai (2001)studied CR in 24 patients with mild to moderate AD and found that higher levels of awareness were strongly predictive of greater gains in perceived memory functioning. That is, all patients with intact awareness reported fewer memory failures following CR on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (Sunderland et al., 1983) compared to patients without awareness (p=.028). In contrast, informants perceived greater gains among treatment subjects relative to controls independent of insight status. These results reinforce the notion that awareness may well be an important variable that moderates CR outcome.
How does cognitive enhancement work for AD?
The core premise of cognitive enhancement therapies for AD is based on neuronal plasticity. Aging causes gradual loss in brain systems including neuromodulatory functioning. However, only recently have we learned that the nervous system has the ability to adjust its structural organization in response to the environment (Mahncke et al., 2006a). The brain has the capability for restructuring itself to adapt to changing circumstances or novel stressors. We know this happens in normal older adults with plasticity-promoting training (Ball et al., 2002, Mahncke et al., 2006b). Training can drive brain plasticity by engaging adults in stimulating cognitive, sensory, and psychomotor activities on a concentrated basis (Olesen, 2004). The training re-engages and fortifies the neuromodulatory systems that control learning, with the goal of increasing the power of cortical representations. Studies indicate that cognitive enhancement therapies can alter brain function at the molecular and synaptic levels, as well as at the neural network level. At the cellular level, this net change in neuronal activity may reflect greater activation of a minority of neurons as a result of the intervention stimulus. In a PET study of 70 patients with mild AD comparing social support, drug therapy, and/or cognitive training, a combination of cognitive training and phosphatidylserine or pyritinol drug therapy was associated with increased brain glucose metabolism in temporal–parietal brain areas during a visual recognition task (Heiss et al., 1994). In a single-blind randomized controlled trial consisting of cognitive rehabilitation (CR) and relaxation therapy versus no treatment in mild AD, Clare et al. (2010)found an increase in blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals in the CR group in areas forming part of the network for visual associative encoding and learning (right fusiform face area, right parahippocampal cortex, right temporal parietal junction, right medial prefrontal cortex) while individuals in the control condition showed reduced BOLD activity over time.
What is cognitive stimulation?
As the name implies, cognitive stimulation entails engaging the patient in discussions about common everyday tasks in an effort to stimulate mental activity (Cotelli et al., 2006, Davis et al., 2001, Tárraga et al., 2006). One cognitive stimulation technique commonly employed is “reality orientation” (Spector et al., 2000). As described by Spector et al. (2003)in their version of cognitive stimulation, a “reality orientation board” is used to display both personal and orientation information (group name, location, time, etc). Specific topics included on the board consist of using money, word games, present day information, and famous faces. The therapy focuses on repeatedly reminding patients of information using themes (such as childhood and food) in order to create continuity between different bits of information (Spector et al., 2010). All sessions allow for the natural process of reminiscence, but also emphasize how the information relates to the current day (Spector et al., 2008). As one might expect, this type of therapy is predominantly geared toward more impaired AD patients who live in residential facilities. In a large, single-blind, randomized comparison in residential or adult day centers, those with moderate AD who received Spector’s CST showed better cognition on the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognition (ADAS-Cog) (Rosen et al., 1984) (F=6.18, p=.014) and MMSE (Folstein et al., 1975) (F=4.14, p=.044) and rated their quality of life more positively on the Quality of Life-Alzheimer’s Disease scale (QoL-AD)(Logsdon et al., 1999)(F=4.95, P=.028) than those in the treatment as usual control groups (Spector et al., 2010).
Is dementia a CR?
Unlike CR for conditions such as schizophrenia or TBI where the impairment is relatively static, the CR program for dementia must take into account a progressively de clining mental status, compromis ed brain systems involved in understanding or even being aware of the illness, and the increasingly apparent relationship between geriatric depression and dementia. Although mitigating the severity of neurodegenerative decline is a monumental task, slowing down cognitive decline to allow for even a few more months of independent function can significantly impact patients’ quality of life by delaying the need for more intense and confining levels of care. However, there are a number of neuropsychological and psychological obstacles when attempting to engage patients with AD in CR (Figure 1).
Does denial affect ADLs?
While the degree of denial is not significantly related to severity of symptoms or decline in ADLs, it is significantly (negatively) correlated with levels of depression (Feher et al., 1991). Macquarrie (2005)offers a unique perspective on how acknowledgement of the disease (and its eventual progression) is intertwined with paradoxical resistance to its inevitable final outcome. This resistance is expressed through denial and minimization as the patient attempts to maintain a sense of organization and competence when faced with a terminal illness. In an early study using the patient-informant discrepancy to operationalize unawareness of deficits, Reisberg (1985)found that while patients with AD appeared to underestimate their own deficits, they were generally correct in their assessment of their spouses’ memory abilities. This indicated a defensive denial because patients with AD appeared to maintain the ability to report accurately on someone else’s memory functioning but overestimated their own memory abilities. This denial may be at the core of non-adherence to CR and other treatments, and the relationship between denial and depression bears on this matter. When faced with advancing decline and life’s finitude, patients recall events and achievements where they experienced competency and a sense of control. In stark contrast to this, their present lack of control over their cognitive abilities and functioning produces a profound loss of self-efficacy and anticipation for the future. In this sense, poor treatment adherence is completely understandable – why agree to engage in hours of a treatment that will not reverse the illness, especially when the number of hours left is now painfully obvious? Depression sets in and futility overwhelms any sense of urgency to seek treatment.
What is the World Alzheimer Report 2012?
In addition to the survey results, the World Alzheimer Report 2012 includes essays by people with dementia, care and social science researchers, and legislators, and multiple examples of "best practice" programs from around the world, including: Alzheimer's Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group. Know The 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters.
What is the Alzheimer's Association?
Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®.
How to help people with Alzheimer's disease?
If people think that Alzheimer's disease is normal aging, see it as an education opportunity. Be a part of the solution. Advocate for yourself and millions of others by speaking out and raising awareness.
What percentage of people with dementia are negative?
World Alzheimer Report reveals negative perceptions about people with dementia. Seventy-five (75) percent of people with dementia and 64 percent of caregivers believe there are negative associations for those diagnosed with dementia in their countries, according to a survey fielded by Alzheimer's Disease International and published today in ...
What is ALZConnected?
The Alzheimer's Association also recently launched ALZConnected™, a social networking community designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's disease and caregivers.
Associated Data
Additional file 1: Table S1. COREQ checklist Table S2. Demographics of the Finnish interviewees, all Finnish ACCEPT-HATICE participants, Finnish HATICE participants, and all HATICE participants.
Abstract
A better insight into older adults’ understanding of and attitude towards cognitive disorders and their prevention, as well as expectations and reasons for participation in prevention trials, would help design, conduct, and implement effective preventive interventions.
Background
Cognitive impairment and dementia are a global public health priority [ 1 ], and dementia prevention or risk reduction through lifestyle management has gained increasing attention [ 2 ].
Methods
ACCEPT-HATICE study has been described in detail previously [ 14 ].
Results
Interviewee characteristics are presented in Table 3. Median age was 67 years (range 66–71 years), 67% (10/15) were women, and 60% (9/15) had university level education. The proportion of participants randomised to the intervention and control group was balanced.
Discussion
This study involved cognitively healthy older adults enrolled in a lifestyle prevention trial and showed that family history and/or indirect experiences of cognitive disorders were linked to knowledge of and feelings associated with such conditions, as well as attitude towards prevention and willingness to participate in a prevention trial.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that family history and/or indirect experiences of cognitive disorders might be linked to older adults’ knowledge and perceptions of cognitive disorders and prevention, as well as to motivations to participate in a prevention trial.
What are the practical impacts of dementia?
You are here: The psychological and emotional impact of dementia. Coping with dementia. Carers: looking after yourself when supporting someone with dementia. Understanding and supporting a person with dementia - useful resources.
What are the reactions of a person who has been diagnosed with dementia?
Someone recently diagnosed with dementia is likely to experience a range of emotions. These may include grief, loss, anger, shock, fear, disbelief and even relief.
How does dementia affect your emotions?
Emotions and feelings. People with dementia often experience changes in their emotional responses. They may have less control over their feelings and how they express them. For example, someone may be irritable, or prone to rapid mood changes or overreacting to things.
Why is it important to express feelings about dementia?
It is important that both the person with dementia and the people around them feel able to, and are encouraged to, express their feelings. Some people experience positive reactions when they receive a diagnosis of dementia. They may be relieved to know what is wrong or be glad to be able to plan ahead .
How does dementia affect self esteem?
Dementia may also have an indirect effect on someone's self-esteem by affecting other areas of a person's life. Health issues, financial circumstances, employment status and, importantly, relationships with those around them may suffer.
What does it feel like to have dementia?
They may feel afraid about the future, scared about moments of confusion and forgetfulness, and upset about the impact dementia has on those around them.
How to help someone with dementia?
Do not dismiss a person's worries - listen and show them that you are there for them. Try to enjoy the moment and try not to spend too much time thinking about what the future may or may not hold. A sense of humour may help, if the time feels right.
Why is it so hard to communicate with people with dementia?
Not being able to hear what is going on around them or hear other people speak can add to their confusion. Dementia and hearing loss can also make people feel socially isolated, so having both conditions at once can be very difficult for someone. This makes good communication even more important.
What causes misidentifications and misperceptions?
A person with dementia may mistake objects or people for things they are not. Misperceptions and misidentifications can be caused by problem with a person's eyes, or by problems with the brain. Find out how to support a person who is experiencing this.
Why do people need glasses?
Many people have some sight loss as they get older. This may be age-related, or due to a condition such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Many people with sight loss will need glasses to help them see. People with sight loss are likely to experience more difficulties as a result of their dementia.
How do people with hearing loss communicate?
How a person with hearing loss communicates will depend on: 1 the type of hearing loss they have 2 whether they use a hearing aid, speak British Sign Language, lip-read or a combination of these 3 their personal preference and life history.
Why do people become deaf?
This may be due to age-related damage to the ears, or other causes such as noise damage, infection, diseases or injury. People who are born deaf or become deaf at a young age may consider themselves as Deaf. They may use British Sign Language (BSL) ...
How to get someone's attention?
Introduce yourself or try to get the person’s attention before starting or ending a conversation. If you don’t, they may become confused about who is talking, or if they are being spoken to. If you are helping the person with a task, let them know what you are going to do before and during it.
Can too much wax make hearing loss worse?
It may be helpful to check if the person has too much ear wax, as this may make any hearing loss and communication difficulties worse.
Why are people with Alzheimer's unable to recognize their loved ones?
Why People with Alzheimer&#8217;s are Unable to Recognize their Loved Ones. <p>As Alzheimer&#8217;s disease and related forms of dementia advance , the ability to recognize the faces of loved ones diminishes. As it does, family relationships often diminish as well and many people with Alzheimer&#8217;s become isolated and lonely.
How does Alzheimer's disease affect family relationships?
As it does, family relationships often diminish as well and many people with Alzheimer’s become isolated and lonely.
What happens when you can't remember your loved ones?
When people with Alzheimer’s can no longer remember the faces of their loves ones, it can bring emotional hurt and turmoil, causing families to distance themselves.
Does Alzheimer's cause visual impairment?
This suggests that Alzheimer’s leads to visual perception problems specifically with faces.”. It is important to note that holistic perception impairment is noticeable in the early stages of the disease. How These Findings Could Encourage Family Members.
Is holistic perception impairment noticeable?
It is important to note that holistic perception impairment is noticeable in the early stages of the disease.
How many people have Alzheimer's?
If they have a family member with Alzheimer's, they may wonder about their family history and genetic risk. As many as 5.5 million Americans age 65 and older live with Alzheimer's. Many more are expected to develop the disease as the population ages—unless ways to prevent or delay it are found.
What are the targets of Alzheimer's disease research?
Targets of Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Research. Researchers are exploring these and other interventions that may help prevent, delay, or slow Alzheimer's dementia or age-related cognitive decline . Other research targets include: New drugs to delay onset or slow disease progression.
What is the National Institute on Aging's ADEAR Center?
The National Institute on Aging’s ADEAR Center offers information and free print publications about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias for families, caregivers, and health professionals. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources.
How can scientists learn more?
You also can help scientists learn more by volunteering to participate in research. Clinical trials and studies are looking for all kinds of people—healthy volunteers, cognitively normal participants with a family history of Alzheimer's, people with MCI, and people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
What is the significance of the print-mind study?
The results of SPRINT-MIND provide further evidence of the connection between cardiovascular health and brain health. Further studies are needed to determine which people, at what age, might benefit most from particular blood pressure management approaches, and how these approaches affect the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Can Alzheimer's disease be prevented?
Many more are expected to develop the disease as the population ages—unless ways to prevent or delay it are found. Although scientists have conducted many studies, and more are ongoing, so far nothing has been proven to prevent or delay dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. But researchers have identified promising strategies ...
Does high blood pressure help Alzheimer's?
The NASEM committee of experts concluded that managing blood pressure when it's high, particularly for middle-aged adults, also might help prevent or delay Alzheimer's dementia.

Common Changes in Personality and Behavior
Other Factors That Can Affect Behavior
- In addition to changes in the brain, other things may affect how people with Alzheimer’s behave: 1. Feelings such as sadness, fear, stress, confusion, or anxiety 2. Health-related problems, including illness, pain, new medications, or lack of sleep 3. Other physical issues like infections, constipation, hunger or thirst, or problems seeing or heari...
Keep Things Simple…And Other Tips
- Caregivers cannot stop Alzheimer’s-related changes in personality and behavior, but they can learn to cope with them. Here are some tips: 1. Keep things simple. Ask or say one thing at a time. 2. Have a daily routine, so the person knows when certain things will happen. 3. Reassure the person that he or she is safe and you are there to help. 4. Focus on his or her feelings rather tha…
For More Information About Personality and Behavior Changes in Alzheimer's
- This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. Content reviewed: May 17, 2017