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About Alzheimer's Disease
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Alzheimer's Disease Questions and Answers
Alzheimer's Disease Research
Alzheimer's Disease Resources
About Alzheimer's Disease
Learn about what Alzheimer’s disease is, its symptoms & risk factors, treatment options and how to live with or care for someone with the disease.
Questions and Answers
My husband has Alzheimer’s disease, and while he is very easy to care for he does have habits that are annoying. He tends to follow me around the house and just stare at me. While I realize that he cannot control his behavior, it is very irritating and I would like to find a way that I can cope without getting upset. [ 11/04/09 ]

Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can definitely try your patience at times. As you have said, you need to keep in mind that your husband cannot always control his behavior and remind yourself that what he does is not purposely meant to annoy you. Most likely, he follows you because he is confused and feels very insecure—he may feel anxious and vulnerable when he cannot see you. Patients with Alzheimer's disease often live in the now. They sometimes cannot remember what happened only moments earlier (such as where they were or what they were doing), and this is can be a source of great confusion and anxiety. Therefore, your husband’s behavior may simply be an attempt to provide a bit of continuity in his life, a sort of visual anchor. He knows you, he trusts you, and you make him feel safe. So if you start feeling annoyed again, try to remember that by letting him follow you around, you may very well be providing him with a source of comfort.

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Last Reviewed On: 10/21/09

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