How to Help Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Through a Mammogram

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to think pink, be proactive, and take care of ourselves and our loved ones.

For me, it always brings one unforgettable image: my mom, standing in front of a mammogram gown, looking like she’s about to start a protest.

Every year, my mom and I gear up for her mammogram. After check-in, we’re called to a private little changing room—just a chair, a curtain, and the star of the show: the gown.

If you’ve never had the pleasure, mammogram gowns open in the front and tie at the waist, allowing you to keep your pants and shoes on. Practical? Yes. Stylish? Absolutely not. Which is a problem when your loved one is a lifelong fashionista.

Every mammogram tells a story—and ours has had its share of plot twists.

Year 6: The Great Gown Rebellion

Two years ago, we hit our first real snag. My mom took one look at the gown and said, “I’m not wearing that.”

She meant it. The idea of trading her carefully coordinated outfit for something that looked like a wrinkled napkin was, in her words, “ridiculous.” After a little gentle convincing (and a lot of compliments about how she could make anything look good), she finally agreed to change—though she made it clear this was not her favorite look.

The technicians were excellent. They laughed with us and said, “Trust us, we wish we could redesign them too.” Suddenly, the tension lifted, and the whole thing felt less like a battle over fabric and more like a shared joke among friends.

Year 7: Matching Gowns, Matching Smiles

Last year, I came prepared. When the nurse handed her the gown, I smiled and said, “We’ll both wear one.”

The nurse blinked, then smiled, and handed me a second. And just like that, we were twinning—mother and daughter in front-opening gowns, laughing our way down the hall.

My mom loved it. Suddenly, the gown wasn’t a problem—it was a moment.

The only hiccup came when she flinched in pain during the test. It turned out she had a UTI, which made her extra sensitive. Once we knew that, everything made sense.

This Year: Paying It Forward

So in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m sharing what we’ve learned—because Alzheimer’s is enough. Let’s not add on something we could’ve caught early.

Here’s how to make your Alzie’s mammogram as smooth (and even a little fun) as possible.

Our Best Tips for Mammogram Day

1. Dress Smart

The gown opens in the front and goes to the waist, so your Alzie keeps her pants and shoes on. If she loves wearing dresses, suggest pants that day—it’ll save time and help her feel more comfortable. Bring a cardigan if she tends to get cold.

2. Pick the Right Time of Day

If your Alzie’s better after her morning coffee, book a late-morning or early-afternoon slot. You want her at her most relaxed.

3. Give a Heads-Up at Check-In

When I arrive, I quietly mention, “My mom has Alzheimer’s—could you please let the technician know?” Most staff are excellent once they understand the situation.

4. Expect Gown Drama—and Laugh Through It

Ask for a second gown so you can wear one too. Matching makes it less clinical and more like a team effort.

Tip for the guys: You can rock the gown too—or stay nearby with moral support and a big smile.

5. Explain One Step at a Time

Skip the medical jargon. Keep it simple and reassuring:

– “You’ll change into the gown.”
– “They’ll take pictures.
– “It’ll squeeze for a few seconds.”

Short, calm cues help your Alzie stay grounded and confident.

6. Stay in the Room (If Allowed)

If possible, stay with her. Your calm presence helps if she feels anxious or confused—and you can assist the technician if they’re not used to working with someone who has dementia.

7. Watch for Discomfort

If she reacts strongly, let the tech know—sometimes extra sensitivity can signal something simple, like a UTI.

8. End on a Positive Note

Make the day feel good. Go out for lunch, go for a walk, or head home for a favorite show. You want her to associate mammogram day with comfort, not stress.

A Quick Note for Male Caregivers

If this is your first time helping your loved one through a mammogram, here’s what to expect: after check-in, she’ll change in a private room, then head to the screening area. You may be invited to stay nearby—or even in the room—to help her stay calm.

You don’t need to know how the machine works. Just offer comfort, patience, and humor. That’s what she’ll remember most.

Why We Keep Showing Up

Because caregiving isn’t just about appointments and routines—it’s about love in motion. Even something as small as a mammogram can remind us that showing up, laughing through the awkward moments, and staying proactive are all acts of care.

You’ve got this, caregivers. Gown, giggles, and all.