When a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it can be jarring – but also potentially a relief. If you’ve been noticing changes in your loved one’s behavior for some time, a diagnosis of dementia helps explain what the reason is and what can be done to help manage the symptoms.
“Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia cause troubling behavior and personality changes that can be upsetting to family members and friends,” says Barbara Harrison, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, a memory care assisted living community in Westwood, MA. “The diagnosis of dementia helps clarify what the issue is, which gives caregivers and other loved ones the ability to learn coping mechanisms to deal with unwanted behaviors.”
There are three major “buckets” of unwanted behaviors when it comes to those with dementia. They are:
Anger/aggression. Someone who was once kind and calm may suddenly become angry – even furious. They may fly off the handle for reasons that seem irrational and unwarranted.
Anxiety/agitation. Individuals with dementia who were previously carefree and calm can become worried, upset and even terrified. This can cause a breakdown, either emotionally or psychologically, and can result in agitated behavior such as insomnia, pacing, repetition and others.
Suspicions/delusions. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can become quite mistrustful, which manifests in different ways. Perhaps your loved one believes you’re stealing from them or hiding their things. Or they think you’re a stranger who’s trying to trick them.
What Causes These Behaviors?
In short: the disease itself. The doctors refer to it as “noncognitive neuropsychiatric symptoms,” which result (unsurprisingly) from damaged brain cells. Since Alzheimer’s and dementias are progressive diseases that damage the brain, it’s not surprising that these behaviors manifest.
While some behaviors are caused by psychological changes, others can be due to environmental factors. Due to the brain’s deteriorating processing ability, certain situations will be difficult for those with dementia, such as:
A large, noisy party
A crowded room
A loud television
These types of situations can make it increasingly difficult for a senior with dementia to cope with the changes occurring in their brain. Behavioral issues may also be caused by physical or emotional discomfort, which the individual may not be able to communicate.
Strategies for Coping with Dementia Behaviors
While these situations can be frustrating and aggravating for caregivers, it’s important to recognize that behavioral changes and challenges are more than likely due to an environmental situation. While prescription drugs can sometimes be helpful in treating, non-drug therapies are usually the most effective in managing and mitigating dementia behavioral issues.
While caregivers can’t prevent or stop dementia-related behavioral challenges, there are ways to cope and manage the situations. Here are some tried-and-true strategies:
Make sure your loved one is eating right and getting enough exercise. A lot of caregivers may not realize that nutrition and exercise are some of the best ways to help keep an individual’s brain and body focused, engaged and healthy throughout the day. Make sure that you’re feeding your loved one a balanced diet and be sure to get at least 20–30 minutes of exercise each day. This can greatly help with unwanted behaviors.
Stick to established daily routines. Routines are necessary for individuals with dementia who need the familiarity and confidence that comes from knowing what’s ahead. If breakfast and walking the dog are part of your normal morning routine, it’s important to keep that, as the simplest changes can cause frustration, confusion and distress.
Stay calm and compassionate. Although individuals with dementia are not always able to communicate, they are able to pick up on emotional cues. It’s essential for caregivers to remain patient and calm, because their loved ones will pick up on that vibe and reflect it. Take a deep breath and put yourself in your loved one’s shoes: how would you feel, for example, if you suddenly found yourself unable to communicate what you wanted to say? Realizing that your loved one’s behaviors are due to the disease may help you manage and mitigate any unwanted behaviors.
Make daily tasks as easy as possible. Someone with dementia will eventually find it too confusing to handle complicated steps and tasks. Even choosing an outfit to wear and getting dressed can be too much for them. As caregivers, it’s important for us to find ways to reduce the individual’s stress and make choices and tasks as simple as possible. For example, you could try picking out two options for clothing and asking your loved one to pick between the two. This provides them choice and autonomy without overcomplication.
Be sure to have plenty of engaging activities available. People with dementia get bored just as we all do. Make sure that there are a variety of activities that can engage them and help them feel useful, like setting the table or folding laundry. Any task that helps your loved one feel like they’re accomplishing something will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment, which can help reduce unwanted behaviors.
Don’t try to reason or argue.
Logic simply doesn’t work with someone who has dementia. No matter how weird, illogical or strange their beliefs may be, remember that the disease is causing them to believe that what they’re experiencing is the truth. Instead of trying to change their minds and make them “see the truth,” go along with what they’re seeing and try to find ways to redirect and pacify them. This is known as validation theory, which is an incredibly important tool to help affirm your loved one’s reality (without lying) and redirect their attention to something more beneficial.
When in doubt, reassure.
A lot of times, people with dementia are acting out because they feel unsafe or insecure. As caregivers, it is our role to reassure loved ones that they are safe, loved and secure. This is especially true if your loved one is dealing with paranoia or hallucinations. Whenever possible, show your loved one that they are safe and that they are not alone – you are there to help. Having photos of loved ones and favorite objects can do wonders to helping keep a loved one with dementia calm.
Use humor whenever possible.
Dementia is nothing to laugh about, but humor can be found just about anywhere. Being able to connect through laughter is a wonderful gift that builds bonds and nurtures relationships. Seek out opportunities to laugh, whether it’s watching silly TikTok videos or turning on a favorite TV sitcom. Don’t forget to take advantage of the humor in everyday life – as long as you’re not laughing at your loved one, humor should be embraced and celebrated.
While coping with behavioral symptoms following a dementia diagnosis can be difficult and frustrating, remember that you are not alone. Look for opportunities in your daily life to nurture your own mental, emotional and physical well-being, as well as resources that can help you navigate this trying time, and you’ll be able to provide the very best possible care for your loved one – and, ultimately, yourself.
Exceptional Care & Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – enriching the lives of our residents every day.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our care and life-enrichment programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.
Dedicated Memory Care
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for residents in various stages of memory loss.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
Contact us today to learn more.