A Word You Should Forget in Alzheimer's Conversations

Consider losing the word why from your vocabulary. Why? Though it's tempting to ask a parent with Alzheimer's questions like, "Why did you do that?" or "Why don't you like your soup today? You liked it yesterday," she really has no idea why she behaves in many of the ways she does. The disease has likely stolen her ability to reason or evaluate. You risk upsetting your parent by making her feel like she's being "tested" -- and failing.