Caregivers face a variety of challenges when a loved one develops Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, including communicating with the memory-impaired person and responding to difficult behaviors. This resource list offers a selection of articles, books, videos, and other materials that may help.
Some resources on this list are free; others must be purchased. To buy an item, please contact the publisher to confirm price and payment information. Many items are also available from traditional and online bookstores.
The items in this resource list are organized in three categories:
Communication Resources
“Alzheimer’s Caregiving: Changes in Communication Skills” (2017)
This article explains common communication problems in people with Alzheimer’s disease and how caregivers can help make communication easier. It gives specific examples of requests and questions caregivers can use and which ones to avoid.
Published by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. Phone: 1-800-438-4380. Email the ADEAR Center. Free online access.
“Communicating with Patients who Have Dementia” (PDF, 376K) (2013, 2 p.)
Learn what works and what doesn’t in this brief but informative tip sheet. Specific tips for communicating verbally and nonverbally with a person who has Alzheimer’s emphasize the importance of using simple, nonpatronizing language.
Published by the Arizona Geriatric Education Center. Free online access.
Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia 4th ed. (2007, 306 p.)
Jolene Brackey’s guide explores ways to help individuals with dementia experience moments of joy by reliving favorite pastimes and fond memories. It discusses the importance of patience and understanding, letting go of high expectations, and providing structure and routine. Also described are suggestions for positive verbal and nonverbal communication and for keeping a positive attitude and mood.
Published by Purdue University Press. Paperback $17.63 and up.
Created by a group of people with dementia, this online booklet outlines the main communication-related challenges of people with dementia. One of three “By Us For Us” guides, it provides practical solutions and strategies to make opinions, feelings, and experiences known. It also suggests ways family caregivers and health professionals can enhance communication with people with dementia.
Published by the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program. Phone: 1-519-888-4567. Free online access.
Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s: A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease (2004, 241 p.)
This book by Joanne Koenig Coste describes the “habilitation” approach to caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease, in which caregivers relate to the person with dementia’s current reality and abilities to promote emotional well-being. Caregivers can learn practical tips for communicating with individuals with Alzheimer’s and for reducing anxiety, agitation, and aggression.
Published by Houghton Mifflin. Available from online booksellers. Paperback $12.76. A related video is available from Terra Nova Films.
Validation Techniques for Dementia Care: The Family Guide to Improving Communication (2008, 144 p.)
This handbook teaches family and professional caregivers how to use the “validation” approach to overcome the communication and relationship challenges of caring for older adults with dementia. This approach was developed to help caregivers improve communication, avoid conflict, and maintain connections by validating expressed feelings rather than by focusing on the person’s confusion. Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques are illustrated in real-life case studies.
Published by Health Professions Press. Phone: 1-888-337-8808. Email Health Professions Press. Paperback $22.95.
Behavior Resources
“Alzheimer’s and Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia” (2017)
This article succinctly describes these behaviors and offers tips for coping with them. It explains that in some cases there may be a good reason for a person with Alzheimer’s to become paranoid, for example, if she or she has been a victim of abuse.
Published by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. Phone: 1-800-438-4380. Email the ADEAR Center. Free online access.
Bathing Without a Battle: Person-Directed Care of Individuals with Dementia 2nd ed. (2008, 208 p.)
This book for professional and family caregivers offers an individualized approach to bathing and personal care of individuals with dementia. Its purpose is to change bathing practices that create unnecessary distress and discomfort for people with dementia. The strategies and techniques have been shown to work in both institutional and home settings.
Published by Springer Publishing Co. Phone: 1-877-687-7476. Email Springer Publishing. Paperback $65.
“Coping with Agitation and Aggression in Alzheimer’s Disease” (2017)
This article defines agitation and aggression, lists their possible causes, and gives caregivers suggestions for coping by, for example, making changes in the environment and giving reassurance.
Published by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. Phone: 1-800-438-4380. Email the ADEAR Center. Free online access.
“Family Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease: Volume 2—Behavior Issues” (2004, 67 min.)
Part of a series for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, this video describes typical behavior issues, approaches to dealing with behavior problems, and possible causes of these behaviors. Specific topics addressed include agitation, aggression, hallucinations, wandering, sleeplessness, sundowning, incontinence, and socially inappropriate behaviors. The video also describes the use of redirection and “fiblets” as responses to challenging behaviors.
Published by LifeView Resources. Phone: 1-800-395-5433. Email LifeView Resources. $24.95.
“Managing Personality and Behavior Changes in Alzheimer’s” (2017)
Common changes in personality and behavior are described in this article, along with their possible causes, which may be related to the person’s health or environment. It offers concrete tips for responding to these changes.
Published by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. Phone: 1-800-438-4380. Email the ADEAR Center. Free online access.
“Tips for Coping with Sundowning” (2017)
In this brief article, sundowning is defined as restlessness, agitation, irritability or confusion that can begin or worsen as daylights begin to fade. The tip sheet tells caregivers how to spot signs of sundowning and what to do when they occur. Tips for preventing the behavior are also given.
Published by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. Phone: 1-800-438-4380. Email the ADEAR Center. Free online access.
“When a Person with Alzheimer’s Rummages and Hides Things” (2017)
A person with Alzheimer’s may start searching through cabinets and drawers or hiding things around the home. This article offers steps to allow the person to rummage while protecting belongings and keeping the person safe.
Published by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. Phone: 1-800-438-4380. Email the ADEAR Center. Free online access.
General Resources
Activities of Daily Living: An ADL Guide for Alzheimer’s Care (2006, 93 p.) This book by Kathy Laurenhue offers practical advice to help people with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia with basic activities of daily living. ‘The author emphasizes that “problem” behaviors of people with Alzheimer’s are often attempts to communicate, and that caregivers should try to look at situations from the person’s perspective.
Available from online bookstores. Paperback $7.16.
Alzheimer’s Basic Caregiving: An ABC Guide (2006, 127 p.)
Kathy Laurenhue offers practical advice on caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The book addresses, for example, effective communication and understanding agitated and aggressive behaviors
Available from online bookstores. Paperback $7.16.
“Caregiver’s Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviors (Guía del cuidador para entender los comportamientos relacionados con la demencia)” (2016)
This online guide offers practical advice for dealing with common communication and behavioral problems when caring for a person with dementia. General guidelines for understanding and coping with difficult behaviors are followed by suggestions for specific problems such as wandering, incontinence, agitation, sleeplessness, sundowning, and hallucinations.
Published by the Family Caregiver Alliance. Phone: 1-800- 445-8106. Email the Family Caregiver Alliance. Free online access.
Remembering Home: Rediscovering the Self in Dementia (2008, 144 p.)
Research has shown that stimulating early memories can have positive effects for people with dementia and can energize their relationships. This book by gerontologist Habib Chaudhury emphasizes the importance of home in the lives of adults with memory disorders and suggests ways that caregivers can use that concept to spark conversation and encourage reminiscing. The author encourages healthcare professionals and activity leaders to embrace a person-centered approach to care and provides tools and information for family caregivers.
Published by The Johns Hopkins University Press. Phone: 1-800-537-5487. Paperback $40.