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Behaviors Typical Of
Alzheimer's
By
Beverly Moore |
Question: What
are some of the behaviors that are typical of Alzheimer’s?
Answer: Of all the people with Alzheimer’s I’ve
encountered, no two behaved the same. Behavior is determined
by the part of the brain affected by the disease; this
response is dictated by that person’s coping style.
If a person blamed others for their mistakes, that person
will probably continue to blame others when they forget
something or lose something. “You took my money,” may be a
response to having trouble balancing the checking account.
“Who took my glasses?” might be the response to having
misplaced glasses.
If a person was an angry person they might become more so
with the changes in ability caused by brain changes. An easy
going person usually remains so.
Most troublesome behaviors are due to the response of the
care partner. When we become impatient with a person, when
we expect him or her to do something the brain doesn’t
permit any longer, the person responds out of frustration.
We must learn what he or she can and cannot do and
accommodate that person. We must change our way of
communicating. Instead of “What do you want for breakfast?”
ask, “Do you want eggs or cereal this morning?” This offers
less information to process and respond.
The goal of care partnering in the Habilitation model is to
promote success in tasks and in relating to others so the
patient feels in control of his or her own life.
Next Month’s Question: What are some specific ways
we can accommodate the changes Alzheimer’s disease brings? |
About The Author
Beverly is
owner of Alzheimer Coaching Services. She offers coaching to
understand dementia and to learn to accommodate the person
through habilitation methods. Her company is located in
Quincy and you may reach her at (617) 233-1145, or
www.alzheimercoachingservices.com.
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