Nina...

Actually, my mother suffers from Alzheimer's. When I first started taking care of her full time she was very antisocial and downright mean. Little by little I got her exercising in a gym class and playing games on the computer. As she withdrew, she started refusing to go to the gym class for seniors at Gold's gym. I was exasperated. Finally, I decided to start taking her to the gym at night. I came to this conclusion after she repeatedly said she didn't want to be around those people in the gym (seniors) and they didn't want her there.

So my point here is, just listen. Sometimes you can interpret from what they say what they may or may not do. I know that sounds kind of simplistic but its worth the effort.

I know how difficult it can be when a loved one with Alzheimer's gets into an antisocial behavior. Those patterns are almost impossible to stop. Unless you can introduce a new and different pattern which they accept. In this case, my mother goes to the gym at night and doesn't have to be around "those people that don't want her there". On the way there she might be angry or totally non-communicative. On the way out she is talking and might even smile.

I understand your situation is very different. But I thought I would pass this along just in case it helps you in other areas. Sometimes if you listen around the edges of what they are saying you get a bright idea.

Thanks for reading and commenting on my share post.

Bobby