Is putting on dirty clothes typical Alzheimer's behavior, or is it a learned behavior?
Hello, I am caring for a friend of mine who has early onset Alzhiemer's She comes from an abusive family her husband and children have been abusing her before she started showing signs of Alhiemer's. Its my understanding that no one would wash her clothes or tell her to shower. My Question is... Her putting back the dirty clothes on top of her clean clothes is this what patients with Alzhimer's do or would this be something she learned over the years as she was getting sick and being abused.
Expert Answer
Although your friend suffered serious neglect in the past, her current dressing-routines are most likely caused by her Alzheimer's.
People with Alzheimer's are often confused about their clothes. They have a hard time gauging appropriate dress for the time of day or the seasons: A nightie for a dinner party, a fur coat to go to the beach, etc.
Here are some simple solutions: As soon as she has undressed, remove her dirty clothes, so she simply has no option to put them on again. Get her involved in choices of what to wear. You can pull out her outfit ahead of time with two tops for her to consider. Limit the choice to only two items "“ any more easily can confuse and overwhelm her. It's important that everyone involved in your friend's caregiving follows the same routines.
No matter what she chooses, compliment her on her excellent taste.