It is not uncommon for a person with Alzheimer's to repeat the same question, or tell the same story over and over again. It is also not uncommon to feel annoyed, and frustrated by this behavior.
Being with someone who repeatedly asks the same question, paces around the room, or hums a tune constantly can be hard to deal with. As with many caregiving struggles - understanding, empathy, and patience are key. Remind yourself that your loved one is not doing this on purpose to frustrate you. Individuals with Alzheimer's experience a deterioration of brain cells that can cause a decline in their ability to make sense of things. The cause of repetition can stem from this deterioration or from an environmental reason that they cannot understand or express to their caregivers. Many times, a person with Alzheimer's disease asks a question over and over, because he or she is feeling insecure.
If your loved one keeps asking you who you are, instead of replying each time with the answer, try a response to reassure, such as “I'm here to take care of you,” in a calm, soothing voice.
You can also distract your loved one with a pleasant activity such as taking a walk, listening to music, or watching a favorite movie. Focus on what your loved one is feeling. Perhaps the problem lies with his or her emotions at the moment and not with any specific question. Think about the time of day or state of mind that your loved one might have just then. Try to anticipate his or her needs. If your loved one is still able to read, you may consider writing notecards and hold up the answer “Dinner is at 6:00” for example. As Alzheimer's progresses, your loved may gradually lose the ability to communicate, and your empathy will be increasingly important as you will need anticipate your loved one's needs ensure his or her safety and comfort.
Finally accept that this kind of interaction will become the norm. Make certain that you share this information with his or her physician. Remember: Be patient and empathetic. Give yourself the right to take a timeout and relax. You can even find outlets for support to share your stories and frustrations, such as https://www.alzconnected.org.
Resource: ALZ connected, Alzheimer's Association
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