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BEHAVIOURAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN THE CASE OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: SOCIAL SITUATIONS

on April 2nd, 2009 by admin

One of the earliest problems that relatives may have to cope with is embarrassing behaviour in the presence of friends or others. This is most likely to occur if the event is taking place away from a familiar environment such as the home. Large parties ought probably to be avoided. Having to relate to a continual stream of different people can be very threatening and bewildering. It may well provoke anger and frustration. It is important nevertheless to try to maintain some social interaction and this is best managed by inviting a few friends or relatives to your own home, having first explained the situation. You can also advise them in advance about appropriate topics of conversation — things to do with the past, for example, if the dementia has progressed to the stage where there is no longer any interest in or memory for current events. It is particularly important to ask the visitor not to exclude the person with dementia from the conversation.

For as long as table manners are preserved there is no reason why a small and friendly group should not eat out in a quiet restaurant or pub. Visits to the theatre and cinema may also be possible for a while, but in the later stages of illness the dimly lit environment may cause problems as may a desire to relate to whatever is happening on the screen or stage.

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