What is the primary risk associated with removing clutter from a client's living space who has Alzheimer's disease?

When considering the primary risk associated with removing clutter from a client's living space who has Alzheimer's disease, focusing on the risk of falling is essential due to the potential physical hazards that clutter can pose. While a neat environment is generally beneficial and can help reduce confusion, the process of removing clutter must be done carefully. If items are removed too quickly or carelessly, it can alter the familiar environment that the individual with Alzheimer's has grown accustomed to, leading to disorientation.

Additionally, individuals with Alzheimer's may have difficulty adjusting to changes in their environment, which can create feelings of uncertainty and potential physical instability as they navigate through spaces that were once filled with the familiar. If items are displaced or if the rearrangement causes confusion, there's an increased likelihood of trips and falls, especially if the person is not oriented to their surroundings.

The other considerations, such as increased anxiety and loss of personal items, are valid concerns; however, they are generally secondary to the immediate physical risk of falling that arises in an altered environment. Recognizing the balance between creating a safe, uncluttered space and maintaining familiarity is crucial in caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.