Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease -- Your Easy-to-Use Guide

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This guide is for people who care for family members or others
with Alzheimer's disease (AD) at home. AD is an illness that
changes the brain. It causes people to lose the ability to
remember, think, and use good judgment. People with AD
may have trouble taking care of themselves and doing basic
things like making meals, bathing, and getting dressed. Over
time, as the disease gets worse, they will need more help.

Sometimes, taking care of the person with AD makes you feel
good, because you are providing love and comfort. Other
times, it can be overwhelming. You may see changes in the
person that are hard to understand. Also, each day brings new
challenges. You may find yourself dealing with problem
behaviors or just trying to get through the day. You may not
even realize how much you have taken on because the changes
can happen slowly over a long period of time.

We've written this guide to help you learn about and cope
with these changes and challenges.

The guide tells you how to:

• Learn more about AD.

• Understand how AD changes a person.

• Learn how to cope with these changes.

• Help family and friends understand AD.

• Plan for the future.

• Make your home safe for the person with AD.

• Manage everyday activities like eating, bathing,
dressing, and grooming.

• Take care of yourself.

• Get help with caregiving.

• Find out about helpful resources, such as websites,
support groups, government agencies, and adult day
care programs.

• Choose a full-time care facility for the person with
AD if needed.

• Learn about common behavior and medical problems
of people with AD and some medicines that may help.

• Cope with late-stage AD.


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from the National Institute on Aging
NIH Publication Number: 09-6173
May 2009