Provide structure and engage the person in a pleasant activity. Engage the person in an activity.The individual may simply be bored and need something to do.If the person with dementia is still able to read and comprehend, it may help to write it down and post it in a prominent location. Provide an answer.Give the person the answer that he or she is looking for, even if you have to repeat it several times.Don't argue or try to use logic Alzheimer's affects memory, and the person may not remember he/she asked the question already. Stay calm, and be patient.Reassure the person with a calm voice and gentle touch.Turn the action or behavior into an activity.If the person is rubbing his or her hand across the table, provide a cloth and ask for help with dusting.Focus on the emotion, not the behavior.Rather than reacting to what the person is doing, think about how he or she is feeling.Look for a reason behind the repetition.Does the repetition occur around certain people or surroundings, or at a certain time of day? Is the person trying to communicate something?.Learn more: Communication Tips, Behaviors Brochure (PDF) How to respond People with dementia who ask questions repeatedly may be trying to express a specific concern, ask for help, or cope with frustration, anxiety or insecurity.īecause people with Alzheimer's gradually lose the ability to communicate, it's important to regularly monitor their comfort and anticipate their needs. In the case of repetition, the person may not remember that she or he has just asked a question or completed a task.Įnvironmental influences also can cause symptoms or make them worse.

The main cause of behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's and other progressive dementias is the deterioration of brain cells which causes a decline in the individual's ability to make sense of the world.

Different words for repetitive