BEHAVIOURAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN THE CASE OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: REPETITION
April 2nd, 2009Just as loss of the sense of time with consequent repeated questioning can be very wearing, so can repeated questioning about other matters. It is often something that you can’t do anything about, as no matter how much reassurance you provide and no matter how many times you answer the questions, they will continue to be asked. It may result from just the memory loss but there is often a background of insecurity and the need for constant reassurance.
Sometimes writing down the answer to a complex question on a piece of paper or on a blackboard can be helpful, as the sufferer can then be diverted to the answer without the need for a lengthy explanation. More usually, however, the question is a simple one with a simple answer and writing things down just creates additional work and does little to help relieve the situation. Under these circumstances it is best to arrange to escape from time to time, to give yourself breathing-space. If you detect that the repetitive questioning is really a need for reassurance based upon a feeling of insecurity, perhaps provide feedback in the form of love and affection at times when it is not being sought and no questions are being asked. If the questioner’s needs are only fulfilled by getting a response to repeated questioning, this reinforces the pattern. If, however, the sufferer appreciates that he or she is loved and wanted and that this is true without having to seek attention, the questioning may occur less frequently.
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