Managing a Loved One's Care

Talking With Your Loved One

Talking with your loved one may be hard since Alzheimer's disease can affect speech and language. Your loved one might have a hard time telling you what is wrong. It might also be hard for them to understand what you mean. When you are talking with a loved one who has Alzheimer's, these tips may help:

Try to choose simple words and use short sentences.
Use a calm tone of voice.
Don't “baby talk.”
Reduce noise and other distractions to help your loved one focus.
Try not to interrupt.
Be sure to listen when your loved one talks.
Don't get too close or crowd your loved one when talking.
If your loved one gets confused, take a break. Talk about something else if it helps.
Try to choose a time of the day when your loved one tends to be calm and receptive for your talk.
When you call your loved one on the phone, be sure to say your name clearly.

Next page: Home Safety

This FREE support program for Aricept patients and their families includes:

The Nurse Program, which allows you to request a phone call from a nurse to help you get started
INSIGHTS by Aricept, a caregiver’s guide including a treatment tracker, Alzheimer’s resources, and tips on caring for your loved one and yourself

Which of these helps you to cope with you/your loved one's memory loss? (Check all that apply.)

Participating in support groups Counseling Relying on friends Using reminder notes to help you/your loved one remember important tasks/dates Making lists to help keep track of day-to-day activities Writing in a journal Other

Important Safety Information

ARICEPT^® (donepezil HCL tablets) is indicated for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

ARICEPT is well tolerated but may not be for everyone. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctors because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse. Some people who take ARICEPT may experience fainting. Some people may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bruising, or not sleep well. Some people may have muscle cramps or loss of appetite or may feel tired. In studies these were usually mild and temporary. For full prescribing information, please visit Prescribing Information.

This Web site contains information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment. Such information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. You should not use this information for diagnosing a health problem or disease. In order for you to make intelligent health care decisions, you should always consult with a physician or other health care provider for your, or your loved one's, personal medical needs.

All quotes included in this Web site represent the individual experience of some doctors, some patients, and their caregivers. Individual responses to Aricept treatment may vary. Actual identities have been changed to protect individual privacy.

This site is intended for residents of the United States only. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

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