Behavioral Issues
- Difficult behavior is often an attempt to communicate needs or frustrations.
Try to accommodate it, rather than controlling it.
- You may be able to prevent an annoying or disturbing behavior if you can identify
its verbal or environmental triggers.
- Directly acknowledging your loved one’s feelings over loss of control may mitigate
outbursts and other difficult behavior.
Next Step
Simple household tips can help keep your loved one safe.
Learn more
People with dementia often can’t communicate what they want or need, but their behavior
provides clues. Consider what need the person might be trying to express with the
behavior and then try to address, or at least acknowledge, that need. Common behavioral
problems include:
Wandering
Some people with dementia may wander off, but you can do many things to keep them
safe. Install locks throughout the home, positioning them high or low since your
loved one may not think to look beyond eye level. Have your loved one wear an ID
bracelet or necklace, and consider sewing labels into clothing. Let neighbors know
about your loved one’s condition.
Sundowning or Sleeplessness
People with dementia frequently become restless, agitated, or irritable at the end
of the day and have trouble getting to sleep. Increasing daytime activities, especially
exercise, and limiting inactivity or napping can generally help. Eliminate foods
high in sugar and caffeine. Plan structured but quiet activities in the afternoon
and evenings to calm your loved one.
Agitation, Anger, and Aggression
By calmly reassuring your loved one that you understand his or her frustration,
you may be able to avoid outbursts. Another idea is to distract your loved one with
a snack or activity. Keeping familiar objects and photographs around may provide
a sense of security and trigger happy memories.
Paranoia, Hallucinations, and Delusions
Discuss these problems with a physician; medication may need to be adjusted. Distraction
may help minimize their effects. For example, try moving your loved one to another
room or outside. Small concessions can sometimes help accommodate paranoia. If your
loved one suspects theft, for example, you might allow him or her to keep small
amounts of money close at hand for easy inspection.
Next Step: Learn more about how you can keep your loved one
safe.
