■      Treat underlying medical precipitants

■      Correct sensory deficits; replace poorly fitting hearing aids, eyeglasses, and dentures

■      Remove offending medications, particularly anticholinergic agents

■      Keep the environment comfortable, calm, and homelike with use of familiar possessions

■      Provide regular daily activities and structure; refer patient to adult day care programs, if needed

■      Monitor for new medical problems

■      Attend to patient’s sleep and eating patterns

■      Install safety measures to prevent accidents

■      Ensure that the caregiver has adequate respite

■      Educate caregivers about practical aspects of dementia care and about behavioral disturbances

■      Teach caregivers the skills of caregiving: communication skills, avoiding confrontational behavior management, techniques of ADL support, activities for dementia care

■      Simplify bathing and dressing with the use of adaptive clothing and assistive devices if needed

■      Provide access to experienced professionals and community resources

■      Refer family and patient to local Alzheimer’s Association

■      Consult with caregiving professionals, such as geriatric case managers