Indirect interventions to facilitate communication in Alzheimer's disease.

Indirect interventions are designed to maximize the functioning of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) through training of caregivers, modifying the physical environment, and developing therapeutic routines and activities. In this article, characteristics of AD caregivers are described, caregiver communication strategies are discussed, and examples of caregiver communication training programs are provided. Environmental modifications and routines and activities to improve communication are detailed.