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Hi, Rev. Harriot,   I am sure in your role, you do find it difficult to minister to those in the later stages of Alzheimer's. That's such a difficult time in the progression of this disease. Based on what I saw with my mother, I'd suggest that just being present is a comfort to the patient. During the last two weeks of my mom's life, Mom was not able to have any conversations and often was unconscious or was (as I described it) looking through me and not at me. However, my father or I'd be in the room with her, often sitting where she could see us and touching her. (Because of her body position and the bed position which was against the wall, I often had to sit at the foot of her bed, so I'd hold her foot.)   I'd also check with the nursing staff to find out if there was a time when the person seemed to be more cognizant of what was going on, which might help you in minister to them.   Additionally, I am sure that your presence also is of great comfort to the patient's family and friends. And helping them during this difficult time also is helpful to the person with Alzheimer's. Based on what I saw with my own mother, I believe that the person with Alzheimer's still senses what's going on with friends and family members who are in the room, so helping them becomes equally important.   Take care and keep us posted on what you find!   Dorian