My wife, who has alz refuses to wash her hair - it hasn't been washe3d for quite some time. If I bring it up, she has a fit - cries - - it is not a good scene. Everyone has tried to help me get her to wash it, but to no avail.

Would it be OK to give her some drug so she would allow us to wash it - and then - what drug would be appropriate - I remember hearing about a drug that doesn't let them remember.

Please help - I'm at a loss -- Bobby

Hi Bobby, I understand your frustration and am so sorry you're having to go through this. It's rough! There is a really cool product you can order online throuh the Alzheimer's Store (I think it's www.alzstore.com) called Shampoo in a Cap. It's listed under the "Activities for Daily Living" section. It looks like a shower cap and you just heat it in the microwave, put it on their head and massage. It shampoos and conditions without the need for water or rinsing. Just towel dry after. I'm seriously considering trying this for my Mother-In-Law because she is getting to the point where she fights the shower, too. I hope this helps. Take care!

Kathy

Dear Bobby:
Indeed bathing and general hygiene concerns for loved ones provides many caregivers with yet another daily challenge.

Kathy's (kat6745) suggestion is a great one. In addition to products advertised on www.alzstore.com, many pharmacies carry non-rinse shampoos which can be applied similarly to hairspray. Some times caregivers find it helpful to set up "dates" or occasions for which the PWD will want to have their hair done professional (involving a washing etc.) or even to encourage showering in preparation for the "event".

An excellent video called "Bathing Without a Battle" may be available for borrowing from your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. If not, you could request it through our National Office Azheimer's Association Greenfield Research Library at: greenfield@alz.org or by calling: 1-800-272-3900 between 9-5pm CST.

In regards to your question on "Would it be OK to give her some drug...?", we are not able to give medical advice of this nature; however, I think there are serious ethical considerations that need to be made prior to giving someone with dementia a drug that would further impede memory. I certainly understand your frustration with this and do think it would be appropriate to speak with your wife's physician regarding this problem and any solutions they might propose. It may be that her resistance to having her hair washed is due to the anxiety that it creates in her. There are medications, which when taken in a small doses can be quite effective in reducing tension for the PWD. Your doctor will be able to discuss these with you, if appropriate.

Please don't hesitate to contact us at 1-800-272-3900 for further information or support.

Best wishes,

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