Alzheimer's Disease
Easing the Pain

How Visitors Can Help

BECAUSE of failing intellectual abilities, those who have Alzheimer's disease (AD) are usually not able to discuss current events in depth. However, talking about the past may be different. Long-term memory may stay relatively intact, especially in the early stages of the illness. Many AD sufferers enjoy reminiscing about their past. So invite them to relate some of their favorite stories, even if you have heard them many times before. You thereby contribute to the patient's happiness. At the same time, you may be giving the regular caregiver a much needed break. In fact, offering to care for the patient for a period of time, perhaps a whole day, can do much to refresh the regular caregiver.

Return to: What Caregivers Can Do