When someone with Alzheimer's asks for someone who has passed away it is best to?

Don't give too many details; this may overwhelm them. Answer questions as honestly as possible. Use clear words like “died” instead of “passed away” or “at peace now.” Try not to protect the person from the truth by suggesting that the person who has died is away and will return later.

What do you say to a dementia patient who is looking for a deceased spouse?

Use clear sentences like 'your husband has died', and avoid phrases like 'passed away'. This improves the chances that she will understand what she is being told.

Should you tell someone with dementia that a friend has died?

If the person is in the early stages of dementia, it is usually a good idea to tell them about the death initially and see how they react to the news. This will give you an idea about what to do and whether to tell them again if they keep forgetting (see 'The person's past bereavements' below).

Should you take someone with Alzheimer's to a funeral?

Taking a person with Alzheimer's disease to the funeral of a loved one is an individual choice based on behavior and cultural preferences, but can sometimes help the individual process the loss.

Why do dementia patients ask for their parents?

Security. Often, the person living with dementia calls out for her mom or dad because she's looking for the presence of a parent to provide security and reassurance in an unfamiliar setting. Think of the young child who wanders off in the store.

What to say to someone with dementia when they want to see someone who's dead



Does a person with dementia know they are confused?

In the earlier stages, memory loss and confusion may be mild. The person with dementia may be aware of — and frustrated by — the changes taking place, such as difficulty recalling recent events, making decisions or processing what was said by others.

What happens to Alzheimer patients with no family?

You may be at increased risk for harm, falls, wandering and/or malnutrition. You also may have difficulty managing personal hygiene or household tasks, which can lead to unsafe living conditions. Plan ahead for how you will address your basic needs, including housing, meals and physical care.

What should you not say to someone with Alzheimer's?

7 Things Not to Say to Someone with Dementia (and What to Say...
  • “You're wrong” ...
  • “Do you remember…?” ...
  • “They passed away.” ...
  • “I told you…” ...
  • “What do you want to eat?” ...
  • “Come, let's get your shoes on and get to the car, we need to go to the store for some groceries.” ...
  • “Her dementia is getting worse.”


Do you take someone with dementia to a funeral?

Support the person with dementia to attend the funeral, especially if it is a close family member or friend who has died. If you are concerned you will be unable to cope because of dealing with your own grief, try to identify someone else to take care of the person with dementia.

Should a spouse with dementia attend a funeral?

Consider involving the person with dementia in funeral planning, assigning a simple task. This will help the death be more real for them. They may recognize the rituals around death and act appropriately. Plan for someone to be with the person during services who can also take them out if they become agitated.

What is the most common cause of death in dementia patients?

One of the most common causes of death for people with dementia is pneumonia caused by an infection. A person in the later stages of dementia may have symptoms that suggest that they are close to death, but can sometimes live with these symptoms for many months.

How do you say someone died in a nice way?

Popular Euphemisms for Death
  1. Passed, passed on, or passed away.
  2. Resting in peace, eternal rest, asleep.
  3. Demise.
  4. Deceased.
  5. Departed, gone, lost, slipped away.
  6. Lost her battle, lost her life, succumbed.
  7. Gave up the ghost.
  8. Kicked the bucket.


What to say to someone who has a family member with Alzheimer's?

People who have a family member diagnosed with dementia may often feel embarrassed to talk about their situation. Be gentle with your friend and allow them to open up to you on their own. Let them know that you are there for them without being forceful or intrusive.

Can death of a spouse accelerate dementia?

Widowhood accelerates cognitive decline among those at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Summary: A new study finds that widowhood can have another profound effect: It may accelerate cognitive decline. The death of a spouse often means the loss of intimacy, companionship and everyday support for older adults.

At what stage do dementia patients forget family members?

In stage 6 of dementia, a person may start forgetting the names of close loved ones and have little memory of recent events. Communication is severely disabled and delusions, compulsions, anxiety, and agitation may occur.

When someone with Alzheimer's loses a spouse?

Be open with your memories. Share your feelings and how much you miss this person. Look for patterns around when you have to remind the person with Alzheimer's about the death. Avoid bringing it up when they are in a good mood and follow their cues when you decide how much to talk about it.

What are the final stages of dementia before death?

Signs of the final stages of dementia include some of the following: Being unable to move around on one's own. Being unable to speak or make oneself understood. Eating problems such as difficulty swallowing.

How do dementia patients cope with grief?

Ways to cope with grief and loss
  1. Face your feelings. ...
  2. Prepare to experience feelings of loss more than once. ...
  3. Claim the grieving process as your own. ...
  4. Talk with someone. ...
  5. Combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. ...
  6. Join a support group. ...
  7. Know that some people may not understand your grief. ...
  8. Accept yourself.


How long can an 80 year old live with dementia?

Life expectancy is less if the person is diagnosed in their 80s or 90s. A few people with Alzheimer's live for longer, sometimes for 15 or even 20 years. Vascular dementia – around five years.

What to say to Alzheimer patients when they say they want to go home?

Reassure the person verbally, and possibly with arm touches or hand-holding if this feels appropriate. Let the person know that they are safe. It may help to provide reassurance that the person is still cared about. They may be living somewhere different from where they lived before, and need to know they're cared for.

Why do Alzheimer's patients get so angry?

It is not uncommon for persons with Alzheimer's or other dementias to have urinary tract or other infections. Due to their loss of cognitive function, they are unable to articulate or identify the cause of physical discomfort and, therefore, may express it through physical aggression.

How long do you have to live after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's?

On average, people with Alzheimer's disease live between three and 11 years after diagnosis, but some survive 20 years or more. The degree of impairment at diagnosis can affect life expectancy. Untreated vascular risk factors such as hypertension are associated with a faster rate of progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Why do dementia patients not want to be alone?

Why someone with dementia is afraid to be alone. Experts suggest that Alzheimer's or dementia shadowing happens because the damage in their brain has caused them to make you the center of their world. They're not doing it purposely to be difficult or to cause trouble.

Can you leave a person with dementia alone?

Many people live alone. Living in a place that is safe, familiar and comfortable is important to everyone, including people with dementia. A diagnosis of dementia does not automatically mean that a person is incapable of living alone. Some people may be capable of living on their own for some time after the diagnosis.

How long can Alzheimer's patients live at home?

Overview of disease progression

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease worsen over time, although the rate at which the disease progresses varies. On average, a person with Alzheimer's lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.