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A news story in the New York Times counsels caregivers of Alzheimer's patients to 'go with the flow'. In other words, recognize that people with Alzheimer's don't know they are being stubborn or nasty - they just can't help how they are.

Experts say that arguing with them or trying to correct them is not helpful and can even raise their level of hostility. Instead, it's best to try to imagine how confused patients must be. For example, if an Alzheimer's patient asks to see his or her mother, instead of saying that their mother has been dead for 40 years, caregivers should say something like 'I wish your mother was here too.' Then change the subject to redirect their attention.

Experts also recommend that caregivers 'learn the art of fragmented, irrational conversation' and just follow the patient's lead when talking to them instead of trying to correct them all the time.

Tags: Alzheimer\'s, caregiving
Posted By: christa555 1 Year, 4 months, 1 Week, 6 days, 54 minutes ago
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