Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease can be trying and challenging!

It is important to keep in mind that your relative is not intentionally rude, stubborn, or forgetful. The person really has no control over behaviors.

The co -authors of "The 36-Hour Day" (available at the Regional Library) suggest that the praise and support for the remaining abilities, and encouragement of tasks the person can still do well, will help avoid frustrating situations. To push the person to be as he/she once was is only setting the stage for disappointment and frustration.

Speak clearly and slowly using short simple sentences, and avoid offering difficult choices and decisions. Take time to listen carefully, paying attention to visual clues to help decipher meaningless words.

For memory problems, it may help to give directions (one step at a time and keep the directions simple). Keep pictures of family members at hand to help the person keep names and faces in mind. A set daily routine will help minimize confusion as will an uncluttered environment. It is important to keep disruptions at a minimum.