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Communicating with Someone Who Has Alzheimer's: Managing Behaviour Changes at Home
What should you do when a person with Alzheimer's repeats questions, becomes angry or does not recognise you? Practical strategies for calm communication at home.
Alzheimer's affects not only memory but also language, orientation, emotions and behaviour. For families, the hardest moments are often the behaviour changes: repeating the same question, believing things have been stolen, restlessness in the evening, or not recognising a loved one. Remembering that these are symptoms of the disease is the first step to better communication.
Basic rules
- Make eye contact and say their name first.
- Use short, simple sentences and ask one thing at a time.
- Avoid "Do you remember?" questions.
- Do not argue or correct; respond to the feeling.
- A calm tone and gentle touch often say more than words.
- Give time to answer.
| Behaviour | Possible cause | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Repeating questions | Short-term memory loss, anxiety | Answer briefly; write the answer somewhere visible |
| "Someone stole my things" | Forgetting where items were put | Do not deny it; search together; keep duplicates |
| Late-afternoon agitation | Fatigue, fading light | Brighten the room, plan calm activities |
| Wanting to leave home | Longing for "home", boredom | Acknowledge, redirect, secure doors |
| Refusing a bath | Embarrassment, cold, fear | Protect privacy, warm the room, explain each step |
| Outbursts | Pain, hunger, overstimulation | Simplify surroundings, check basic needs |
When they don't recognise you
Introduce yourself gently ("I'm your daughter, I came to visit") and keep the conversation warm. Even without recognition, the emotional bond often remains.
The power of routine
Keep waking, meal and sleep times the same; plan walks, music and photo albums; use calendars and large labels; limit noise and visitors.
Home safety
Lock away medicines, fit stove knob covers, add a simple door alarm and keep an ID card with a phone number in their pocket.
Caregivers need rest too: share duties and seek professional help when needed.
We plan daytime or live-in dementia care with experienced carers across Yalova, and offer care guidance for families in Bursa, Istanbul and Kocaeli–Gebze.
