My father lives in an an assisted living facility. He does have alzheimers. He is a very kind gentle person. However recently he has been groping women. he is clueless of his behaviors. They are kicking him out. What do I do ??? Please help

Marci,

Some persons with dementia, particularly those with frontal lobe dementias, can often display inappropriate sexual behavior due to loss of judgment and impulse control. In such instances, try your best to redirect your father or divert his attention to something else if you're present. Be sure to inform any persons coming into contact with him of the nature of his condition and the possibility of such behavior. See if you can identify a pattern to what's triggering this behavior, i.e., an attraction to certain women. If he becomes overly aggressive, it might be worthwhile to seek a medical opinion regarding the potential for medication management. And if you haven't already, try to avoid being confrontational or judgmental about his behaviors, understanding that this can be a natural part of his condition. Please feel free to call us on our 24-hour helpline if you'd like to discuss further.

My 67 year old husband has advanced Alzheimer's and has been on an Alzheimer's/Dementia unit since October. This brilliant man with two master's degrees cannot focus enough to participate in any activities (bingo, reminiscing etc.) I am a retired therapist/social worker. I spend 3 to 6 hours a day at the facility visiting him and the other residents. Current problem: his only activity is walking the long halls; now he loves to push other residents in their wheelchairs; they sometimes object loudly and it is becoming more difficult to dissuade and redirect him. The doctor started him on Depakote (125 mg. b.i.d.) last week. It has only added to his confusion and made redirection more difficult. I know he cannot be allowed to push others against their will (and sometimes bumping walls etc.) but I am hoping that there are potential resolutions other than turning him into a zombie. Help!

KATHEH,

As the disease progresses,the person with Alzheimer's loses interest in activities and sometimes finding activities that the person enjoys can be challenging. It sounds like your husband wants to feel that he can still be productive. You mention that he likes to push other residents at the facility; he may feel he's useful at the unit to the staff. Try asking the staff if they can give him things to do so that he feels he's got a duty. For example, ask them if they can have him wipe the tables, arrange the chairs in the activity room or dinning room. In essesnce, you are wise to ask the doctor to prescribe medicaiton regarding his behavior. However, keep in mind that like all medication, there are side effects and it may take a while until a person's body gets used to the drug. I've attached information on Activities at Home and 101 Activities for a Person with Alzheimer's for additional activities. I hope this information is useful. Contact us again if we can be of help or call our 24hr helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Sincerely,