Shopping

Patients with the behavioral form of FTD may have difficulties in controlling their shopping habits, for instance they may want to buy things they do not need, spend more money than necessary or shoplift. Strategies to control impulsive shopping are closely related to the strategies for controlling finances better.

Try this:

1. Limit the amount of money easily accessible
2. Take some business cards explaining your family member's problems along with you when out in public to discretely hand out to staff in stores, restaurants and banks. These cards can be made on a home computer and can say something like: "My loved-one has an Alzheimer's-like disorder; thank you for your patience" (click here to download cards that can be printed).
3. If shoplifting is a problem, it may be helpful to let the store management know in advance so that incidents can be handled discretely
4. Avoid letting the person with bvFTD shop alone

If patients have difficulties in understanding the names of the products, fruits or vegetables, they might avoid shopping altogether even if they used to.

Try this:

1. Make a list of pictures or packages to simplify comprehension and motivate them to do a familiar activity.