Dementia can lead to emotional changes or behavior that feels unfamiliar. There are many different personality and behavior changes that can occur at any stage of dementia.
What to Expect
- Increased anger or worry
- Depression or loss of interest
- Hallucinations or wandering
- Inappropriate sexual behavior
- Aggression or hitting
- Poor hygiene
- Confusion in loud or new places
Somebody with dementia may exhibit some of these symptoms at different times, or may never display them at all. There is a long list of potential behavioral changes, and everybody’s journey is specific to them.
How to Respond
Hypersexuality can show as frequent sexual talk, inappropriate touching, or attempts to seduce others. This behavior does not always mean the person wants sex.
- Keep instructions simple. Speak one idea at a time.
- Stick to a daily routine.
- Break tasks into easy steps and match them to current ability.
- Reassure your loved one that they are safe.
- Focus on how they feel. Say things like, “You seem worried.”
- Provide a safe place to walk or pace.
- Use distraction or redirection to shift attention.
If symptoms get worse, talk with a doctor. We try to use non-pharmacological approaches to dementia care first and foremost, but medication may help to alleviate some of these symptoms.
Top Tip: Don’t just assume that behavioral changes are automatically part of dementia, and that there’s nothing you can do about it. It may be that, in conversations with the doctor, you realize that something may be a result of medication, and that you may need to tweak things to get better results. Many doctors will acknowledge that finding the right medication is often a journey. Away from medication, engaging somebody with dementia in the right ways, through meaningful activities and social interaction, can help to alleviate some of these negative behavioral changes.
FAQs
Why is my loved one with dementia acting so differently?
Dementia affects brain areas linked to personality and behavior.
Can I prevent aggression or wandering?
You can reduce risk by keeping routines and limiting confusion.
When should I call the doctor or speak to a care team?
If new symptoms appear or get worse, reach out right away.
Want to Learn More?
We hope this tip helps you on your caregiver journey. To learn more, visit our guides to dementia and Alzheimer’s and memory care. These articles are a great place to start learning about this disease and what care looks like in a memory care community.
For more answers to quick common questions, visit our FAQ page.
You can also check out our upcoming events for caregiver education and support.