Medications and Alzheimer's Disease

Geriatric Consultant Resources
Senior Care Resources
Medications and Alzheimer’s Disease

Caregiving and Coping

Establishing a Routine

Often, changes in your loved one’s mood or personality such as suspiciousness, combativeness, or resistance, can be overwhelming and cause the most stress to the caregiver.

The following recommendations may help decrease the chance for behavioral disruptions in your loved one:

Remain calm, and speak in a relaxed manner to your loved one
Provide regular structure to your loved one’s routine including toileting
Provide simple routines that include some physical and social activity in small groups
Provide simple choices for your loved one
Include periods or rest and/or naps in the routine
Minimize changes to the daily routine
Be aware that behavioral changes may be due simply to hunger, bathroom needs, other illness, changes in vision or hearing, pain or medication side effects
Remove excess noise or stimuli
Help with their daily activities by using bright lights
Walking with your loved one
Playing music during meals or bathing