Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias: Symptoms, Stages, and Communication Strategies Expanded ____
Mealtime
• Provide sufficient time for meals • Eat at the same time daily • Prepare nutritious meals that are easy to eat • Engage the person in the preparation process • Maintain a calm atmosphere for meals • Always speak in a calm, reassuring voice • Practice active listening • Validate the person; redirect, don’t correct • Engage the person in decision making, as appropriate • Refrain from asking “Do you remember?” • Encourage conversation, validate • Display beloved items and photos throughout the home
• Taste may change • Food may need to be prepared in bite-size pieces • Monitor eating habits to avoid hazards • Provide support, as needed; allow the person to be independent • The person may repeat questions and thoughts; continue to respond • Distract the person if frustration presents • Take walks, show photos, play music
Communication
Space
AD spectrum of behaviors
• Angry outbursts • Oppositional behavior • Agitation and aggression • Fear
• Address environmental changes, uncomfortable clothing, allergies, modifications to diet • Caregiving strategies will need to be modified • Logic is not always the best approach • Responses may not be logical • Caregiver strength and perspective is invaluable to the person with AD
Caregiver approach
• Recognize challenges • Recognize that the illness is not the person • Constantly modify approach • Maintain perspective • Be kind, compassionate, patient, empathetic • Caregivers need breaks; make time for a “pause”
Caregiver self-care
• Make sure caregiver is not angry, hungry, or tired
• Identify care support team • Ask for help when needed
Adapted from Mayo Clinic, 2022
Table 5 (continued)
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