Think FAST!
Some of the greatest challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementias are the personality and behavior changes that often occur. One type of behavior change you may notice in your loved one is that your loved one may “get stuck” on certain topics. Your loved one may not realize they are “stuck”, or the topic may create anxiety, sadness, or anger.
A common example of this is driving. If a loved one is told they are no longer allowed to drive, they may talk about it frequently and focus on the issue of not being able to drive. Some people may become angry as they focus on this perceived loss of independence.
This phenomenon is related to the Alzheimer’s disease and your loved one has little control over breaking this cycle. Fortunately once you are aware of the potential for this you can be prepared to help.
In most cases, your loved one can be “unstuck” and led to think about another topic or activity that is less distressing. To steer your loved one onto another more pleasant topic or train of thought, you will need to be prepared and be creative.
One method is to use the “Think FAST” technique, where you focus your loved one on things that typically generate positive thoughts. These include:
Food: Have some of your loved one’s favorite foods available or mention a trip to get it.
Activity: Suggest doing something your loved one enjoys, such as looking at a magazine or old photos
Story: Start talking about your loved one’s favorite topics or family story
Trip: Go to one of your loved one’s favorite places. “Let’s go to the beach”…
Prepare your action plan items in advance
Advance preparation allows you to pull one of these distractions out of your “tool kit” when you start to see your loved one start down the path of the distressing topic. Share them with your family and friends who also care for your loved one so that they can use them as well.
Have at least 3 foods that your loved one enjoys to help calm your loved one.
What foods does your loved one enjoy that may help calm her if upset or worried? Does she like hot tea? Does he enjoy macaroni and cheese?
Write down the three foods that would help to calm your loved one.
Have these foods on hand and any needed supplies to prepare them and be willing to make them as needed.
Have at least 3 short trips or activities you can take or do that will distract your loved one.
What are some places that your loved one enjoys going? Does your loved one enjoy going to the park and feeding the ducks? Does she enjoy going to a favorite restaurant?
What are some activities that bring a smile to your loved one’s face? Does he enjoy dancing? Does she enjoy playing with the dog or cat?
Write down three short trips or activities that you can take or do with your loved one to distract him or her from the distressing topic.
Be prepared to do these activities or take these trips quickly if needed. If any supplies are needed (ie bread for the ducks), make sure to keep them on hand.
Have at least 3 topics of conversation in mind that you can bring up to distract your loved one from the unpleasant thought or topic.
What does your loved one enjoy talking about? Is she a mom who loves telling stories about when her children were small? What topic of conversation makes his face light up?
Write down these three topics to bring up when your loved one starts talking about the distressing topic.
Be creative in your plan; you know your loved one best. It is important to be prepared with your action plan in advance. Realize the likes/dislikes will change with time so be prepared to adjust.
3 Topics of Conversation:
3 Trips or Activities:
3 Comforting Foods:
Please talk with your own/loved one’s healthcare provider before using any of this information.