Refuses To Brush Teeth

For a person with Alzheimer's, simple tasks become extremely difficult as a result of memory loss. Your loved one may refuse to brush his or her teeth because he or she has forgotten how to.

You might try:

• Providing short, simple instructions. “Brush your teeth” may be too difficult. Instead try: “hold your  toothbrush,” “put paste on the brush” and “brush your top teeth,” etc.
 
• Using  a mirroring technique. Hold a brush and show your loved one how to brush his or her teeth.

• Use a mirroring technique. Hold a brush and show the individual how to brush his or her teeth.