New Delhi: World Alzheimer’s Day, observed on September 21, highlights the importance of recognising dementia early, with this year’s theme, ‘The Earlier
You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters’. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, some patients may stop recognising people they have known for years, leaving families and caregivers struggling to respond. Repeatedly asking them to remember names or relationships can add to their confusion and distress.
Dr Safal S Shetty, Consultant Interventional Neurologist & Stroke Specialist, KIMS Hospitals, Bengaluru, in communication with News9 Digital, speaks about responding with patience when recognition fades, handling repeated questions and suspicion, using familiar cues, and recognising sudden changes in behaviour that may require medical attention. The focus, he explains, should remain on helping the person feel safe and supported rather than repeatedly testing their memory.
Dr Safal S Shetty on how to deal with Alzheimer’s patients
Don’t force them to recall you
If someone looks puzzled and asks you, “Who are you?”, there is no need to keep telling them they should remember you. Saying, for example, “I am your daughter; you shouldn’t forget me” will make the person feel ashamed and scared. It is better to introduce yourself gently, even if it means saying your name and your relationship to the person every time without expecting a response from them.
Answering repeated questions with patience
Repeated questions can arise due to short-term memory issues. When answering such questions, don’t let annoyance show, but do answer them briefly. When the same question arises several times, stop and think if the person needs something, say, food, comfort, companionship, safety, or clarity about a situation. A stable routine may eliminate the need for asking questions repeatedly.
Dealing with suspicion without argument
Some people may become suspicious and think that their relatives have taken their things, are hiding something from them, or are causing them harm. Do not argue with the person. Rather, acknowledge their feelings by saying, “I see this is bothering you,” and then try and steer their attention elsewhere. If, in fact, something is missing, help the person to locate it, but do not give credibility to their accusations.
Utilise familiar stimuli
When it is difficult to obtain recognition, familiar sounds, photos, music, dresses or habits can make the person feel at ease. For example, wearing an identity badge helps to make introducing oneself at each occasion an important part of the interaction. Simplicity is important when communicating. Thus, speaking in a clear voice and presenting one issue at a time instead of putting many questions together can be useful.
Be aware of sudden changes in behaviour
It is also very important to realise that a sudden increase in confusion or agitation should not be attributed automatically to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, the behaviour change might be brought on by various causes, including pain, infections, constipation, dehydration or medication changes, as well as poor sleep. The emergence of any symptoms requires medical observation of the situation, especially when the behaviour is markedly different from the person’s usual one.
Preserving the relationship instead of memory
Caring becomes easier when one understands that the goal of the process is not to make the person remember, but to help the patient feel secure. Sometimes an emotional response is more important than recognising the person’s name or face.
