Needs help choosing from a menu

  All Alzheimer's Symptoms

When it happens Beginning of moderate-stage dementia onward

Why it happens Brain changes impair the ability to weigh information and make decisions.

What you can do

  • Don't wait for the person to order first, even if he or she is your guest.

  • Don't put the person on the spot by asking more than once what he or she would like.

  • Talk through some of the choices as you read the menu.

  • Home in on one thing you know the person likes: "Oh look, the special today is your favorite sandwich. Sound good?"

  • Order for the other person, in a casual way: "I'd like the salmon, and my mother has decided she'll have the special." Or, "We'll all order the soup today."