Experts Highlight Six Common Mistakes in Caring for Family Members with Dementia
A study from Bar-Ilan University emphasizes that dementia and Alzheimer's disease affect more than just memory loss; they also impair communication, judgment, social understanding, and emotional control. Everyday activities such as bathing, eating, medication intake, or family conversations can become sources of stress and conflict. Often, difficulties arise not from the patient's behavior but from a mismatch between their perception of reality and the responses of those around them.
The research identifies six common mistakes caregivers make. First, arguing about the patient's distorted reality often leads to confusion and distress; instead, caregivers should address the underlying emotional needs and gently redirect conversations. Second, speaking in long sentences or asking multiple questions overwhelms patients; caregivers should use short, simple sentences and offer limited choices. Third, resistance to care tasks like bathing or medication is often due to pain, fear, or confusion rather than stubbornness, so caregivers should check for discomfort and proceed calmly with explanations.
Fourth, responding to anger with anger escalates tensions; a calm tone, reducing stimuli, and redirecting attention to familiar activities can help restore calm. Fifth, caregivers should not bear the burden alone, as caregiver burnout negatively affects both the caregiver and patient; seeking support from family, support groups, and professionals is crucial. Sixth, foreign caregivers often lack specialized dementia training; brief, practical instruction on communication and recognizing distress can improve care quality.
Dr. Nati Blum, CEO of the Amda Association, stresses that dementia changes patients' experience of the world but does not eliminate their need for respect, security, love, and belonging. The best care adapts communication to the patient's new reality rather than trying to correct them, reducing daily conflicts and enhancing quality of life for patients, families, and caregivers. Amda offers support groups, information lines, and training programs for families and caregivers in Israel.
