Another Approach to Treating Alzheimer’s
A successful non-pharmacological approach is focused on redirecting a patient experiencing difficult symptoms. This simple and non-traditional approach offers a therapeutic and calming alternative, with none of the dangerous side effects of current Alzheimer’s drug treatments.
Validate
The first step is to recognize and acknowledge how the patient is feeling by validating their symptom. Trying to reorient a patient (i.e. “No, Dad, it’s not Sunday.”) is often counter-productive. Arguing with the patient can also increase agitation and frustration.
Redirect
The second step is to try and redirect their attention to something more calming and familiar. This can be difficult and requires patience – but refocusing the patients’ attention away from the symptom can help alleviate the problem.
Re-approach
If redirection fails, caregivers are told to remove themselves from the patient’s presence, reenter, and try the process over again.
Validate
The first step is to recognize and acknowledge how the patient is feeling by validating their symptom. Trying to reorient a patient (i.e. “No, Dad, it’s not Sunday.”) is often counter-productive. Arguing with the patient can also increase agitation and frustration.
Redirect
The second step is to try and redirect their attention to something more calming and familiar. This can be difficult and requires patience – but refocusing the patients’ attention away from the symptom can help alleviate the problem.
Re-approach
If redirection fails, caregivers are told to remove themselves from the patient’s presence, reenter, and try the process over again.
