Although a trip to visit a relative may seem to be a potential benefit for the patient, the change in environment may cause an increase in behavioral disturbances. Similarly, the environmental change caused by frequent changes in caregivers may also contribute to increased behavioral disturbances.

However, this statement should not be taken to imply that a single caregiver should devote all his or her time to the patient. It is important that caregivers "get a break" from their chronic care giving in order to avoid burnout or personal illness. Without such breaks, it sometimes becomes difficult to avoid arguing with the patient about hallucinations or abnormal behaviors.

In summary, attempting to minimize the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in a person with Alzheimer's disease is difficult and necessitates a systematic and complete overview of the patient as well as good cooperation between the physician and the caregivers. This is an area in which a team effort is especially important.