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parents1 Asked September 2010

The doctor advised my brother not to rough-house or horseplay with our father who has mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. Is there any literature on this?

EXPERT Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF Sep 2010
I'd say the doctor is right. The Alzheimer's organization in your community would be a good resource if your brother has trouble understanding.

Your dad, if he hasn't already gotten to this place, will eventually not understand what your brother is doing and your dad will feel he is being attacked. He will get so he doesn't even remember who your brother is.

Most people with Alzheimer's need a calm environment as they can't process what is going on around them, or they often process it improperly. You will have enough issues with your father feeling afraid of his surroundings without anyone rough housing. I feel sorry for your brother, as this sounds like it was normal behavior, and he will feel this loss. But he needs to learn that these changes are the disease, not the way his dad feels about him.

Please do contact the Alzheimer's Association for some training and information.
Carol

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