A person with Alzheimer's may do or say something over and over again. He may repeat a word, question or activity. It is not uncommon for someone to ask a question, have it answered, and then ask it again, and again, and again. The person may also pace or undo what has just been finished. These actions are often harmless for the person with Alzheimer's but can be very stressful for the caregiver. They may be a sign that the person with dementia is troubled or fearful. Finding ways to comfort and reassure them is crucial in providing care, and may decrease repetitious and irritating behaviors.

Look for a reason behind the repetition
Try to find out if there is a specific cause for the behavior and eliminate it.

Respond to the emotion, not the behavior
If the fiddling and pacing are constant, try taking the person to the bathroom rather than asking what they need.

Turn the action or behavior into an activity
If the person is rubbing his hand across the table, give him a cloth and ask him to help with dusting.

Stay calm and be patient
Reassure him with a calm voice and gentle touch.

Answer him
Give him the answer he's looking for even if you have to repeat it several times.

Engage him in an activity
He may simply be bored and need something to do. Provide structure and engage the person in a pleasant activity.

Use memory aids
If he asks the same questions over again, remind him with notes, clocks, calendars or photographs.

Accept the behavior and work with it
If it isn't harmful, let it be and try to find ways to work with it.

Consult a physician
Repetitive behaviors may be a side effect from medication. Talk with your family doctor.

Sometimes if other things don't work, the best strategy is to remain silent.  This allows the caretaker to stop a downward spiral where he/she conveys his/her own anger or frustration only to have this mirrored back by the patient's increasing agitation or anger.

Other coping strategies might include removing environmental stimuli that may be triggering the question.  Close closet doors, or conceal doors that go out of the house so the person with dementia isn't reminded of wanting to go out.  If the person is continually asking about an activity you are planning, do not discuss plans with the person until just prior to the event or even on the way or even on the way to an event

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Look for a reason behind the repetition. Try to find out if there is a specific cause for the behavior and eliminate it.

Respond to the emotion, not the behavior
If the fiddling and pacing are constant, try taking the person to the bathroom rather than asking what they need.

Turn the action or behavior into an activity
If the person is rubbing his hand across the table, give him a cloth and ask him to help with dusting.

Stay calm and be patient
Reassure him with a calm voice and gentle touch.

Answer him
Give him the answer he's looking for even if you have to repeat it several times.

Engage him in an activity
He may simply be bored and need something to do. Provide structure and engage the   person in a pleasant activity.

Use memory aids
If he asks the same questions over again, remind him with notes, clocks, calendars or photographs.

Accept the behavior and work with it
If it isn't harmful, let it be and try to find ways to work with it.

Consult a physician
Repetitive behaviors may be a side effect from medication. Talk with your family doctor.

Sometimes if other things don't work, the best strategy is to remain silent. This allows the caretaker to stop a downward spiral where he/she conveys his/her own anger or frustration only to have this mirrored back by the patient's increasing agitation or anger.

Other coping strategies might include removing environmental stimuli that may be triggering the question. Close closet doors, or conceal doors that go out of the house so the person with dementia isn't reminded of wanting to go out. If the person is continually asking about an activity you are planning, do not discuss plans with the person until just prior to the event or even on the way or even on the way to an even

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At times, the person with Alzheimer's may not recognize familiar people, places or things. He may forget relationships, call family members by other names and become confused about where he lives. He may also forget the purpose of common items such as a pen or a fork. These situations are extremely difficult for caregivers and require much patience and understanding.

Caregivers should also:

Stay calm
Although being called by a different name or not being recognized is painful, try not to make your hurt feelings apparent.

Reply with a brief explanation
Don't overwhelm the person with lengthy statements and reasons. Instead, clarify with a simple explanation.

Show photos and other reminders
Use photographs and other items to remind the person of important relationships and places.

Offer corrections as a suggestion
Avoid explanations that sound like scolding. Try "I thought it was a spoon" or "I think he's your grandson Peter."

Try not to take it personally
Remember that it is the disease of Alzheimer's that causes the person to forget and that they do not act in this way because they don't care.

Source: the Orange County Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association

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