- Coping With Changes in Behaviour in Alzheimer’s Disease
Living with dementia can be challenging, but there are ways to manage it if we understand the cause.
People with Alzheimer’s disease may become agitated or aggressive as the disease gets worse. Agitation means that a person is restless and worried, and they aren’t able to settle down.
As the disease worsen, they may verbally lash out or try to hit or hurt someone. When these problems start to happen or worsen in the late afternoon or early evening, it’s called sundowning.
Causes of agitation and aggression
Most of the time, agitation and aggression happen for a reason.
They are probably worried over something that they have forgotten to do or that they are used to doing something at a certain time but they cannot remember. What do they need to do, you may ask? This could be something of the past because it could be the only routine or thing that they remember doing.
For example, I used to take care of an aunt who gets agitated when she could not get out from the house at 4pm. It is only after a while, after probing and understanding that she needed to go out at that time because she had to pick up her grandchild from school. The grandchild is now 25 years old.
When we understand the cause, we will understand why they are agitated or even aggressive.
Some of the causes of agitation and aggression can include:
- Pain, depression, or stress
- Too little rest or sleep
- Sudden change in a routine, or person or place
- A feeling of loss — for example, a loved one who has passed on
- Too much noise or confusion, or too many people in the room
- Being pushed by others to do something — for example, to bathe or to remember events or people
- Feeling lonely and not having enough contact with other people
Here are some ways you can cope with agitation or aggression:
- Listen to the person’s concerns and avoid arguing. Reassure the person that they are safe, and that you are there to help.
- Use other communication methods such as gentle touching, to help them calm down
- Try to keep to a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same times each day
- Distract the person with a snack, beverage, or activity. You could listen to music, read a book, go for a walk or do a household chore, such as folding clothes together
In summary, here are some things you can do to prevent agitation and restlessness
- Stick to a schedule
- Arrange time for activities, especially aim for physical and cognitive programs
- Avoid long naps and dozing late in the day
Speak to us on how we can care for your loved ones