How to Support a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease?
An Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis can raise many questions about what to expect and how to plan for the future.
Alzheimer’s disease can affect different aspects of everyday life. As the disease progresses, changes can occur in three broad areas: cognition, behaviour, and the ability to carry out activities of daily living.
Cognitive decline refers to changes in memory, attention, language, reasoning and the ability to understand information.
Short-term memory is frequently affected early. A person may forget recent conversations, repeat questions, lose objects or miss appointments. Older memories may remain accessible for longer, although both short-term and long-term memory can eventually become impaired.
Concentration and information processing may also slow down. Activities that involve several steps, such as preparing a meal, paying bills or following instructions, can become difficult. The person may have trouble finding words, following a conversation or making safe decisions.
In advanced cases, recognising places and people may become harder. Some patients may confuse the past with the present or may no longer recognise family members. These symptoms can be painful for loved ones, but they are caused by changes in the brain and do not mean that the person’s emotional connection has disappeared.
Families can support by speaking slowly, using short sentences, allowing extra time for responses and limiting distractions. Correcting every mistake may cause unnecessary frustration, reassurance and emotional connection are often more helpful.
Alzheimer’s can affect emotions and behaviour as well as memory. A person may lose interest in hobbies, withdraw socially, or become less motivated. Others may experience anxiety, depression, irritability, restlessness or agitation.
Some patients develop delusions, such as believing that someone has stolen from them, or hallucinations, in which they see or hear things that are not present. Sleep patterns can also change. A person may sleep during the day, remain awake at night, or become more confused and restless later in the afternoon, a pattern sometimes called “sundowning”.
Challenging behaviour is often a form of communication. Contributing factors may include pain, hunger, fatigue, fear, overstimulation, loneliness or an unfamiliar environment. Caregivers should look for possible triggers, remain calm and use reassurance rather than confrontation.
In early Alzheimer’s, people can often continue caring for themselves but may need support with complex activities such as managing money, taking medicines, shopping, cooking, driving or keeping appointments.
As the disease progresses, assistance may be required with dressing, bathing, eating, toileting and moving safely around the home. Caregivers may also need to manage risks such as falls, wandering, medication errors, household appliances or unsafe driving.
In advanced Alzheimer’s, most patients need care around the clock. Mobility may become limited, and difficulties with speaking, eating or swallowing can develop. Care then focuses on comfort, safety, nutrition, skincare, meaningful connection and preserving dignity.
Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease changes the future, but it does not remove the person’s identity, relationships or need for respect and meaningful experiences. With appropriate medical attention, practical planning and compassionate support, patients and families can adapt to changes as they occur.
Regular appointments with the treating physician provide opportunities to review symptoms, treatments, safety and care needs. Families do not have to manage the journey alone. Seeking help early can make it easier to protect the patient’s wellbeing while supporting those who provide care.
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References: 1. Stages and Behaviors. Alzheimer’s Association USA, 2026. 2. Interview script written by Moleac: “Understanding the Alzheimer’s Journey After Diagnosis.” 2026
This document does not constitute the practice of medical consultation nor medical advice. Always seek the advice of your treating physician and/or specialist.
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