Health Tip: Giving Medications to People With Alzheimer's (HealthDay)

(HealthDay News) -- As a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's,administering their medication -- and preventing missed pills or the wrongdosages -- can be a daunting responsibility.

The Alzheimer's Association offers these suggestions:

• Learn about each medication before you administer it. Make sure youknow exactly what each pill is for, and its possible side effects.
• In clear language, explain exactly what each pill is for, and why andhow the person needs to take it.
• Keep good records of each medication taken, the dose, and whentaken.
• Keep medications well-organized, and safely stored out of reach in alocked cabinet or drawer.
• Don't let taking medicine turn into a struggle. If the person doesn'twant to take it at a particular moment, try again a bit later.
• Make the task as easy as possible. Ask your pharmacist for liquid,which may be easier to administer than a pill. Or ask the pharmacist ifyou can crush the pill and put it in food.