Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be especially challenging when changes in behavior arise.
At The Gardens of Amarillo Memory Care, we understand the complexities of dementia with behavioral disturbance, so we provide compassionate, expert care to help seniors and their families navigate these changes.
What Is Behavioral Disturbance in Dementia?
Behavioral disturbance refers to a range of actions seniors often engage in as cognitive decline progresses. They vary from person to person but tend to include increased irritability, confusion, and agitation.
Understanding behavioral changes helps caregivers and family members respond with patience and effective support.
Common Dementia-Related Behaviors
While memory loss is the hallmark of dementia, behavioral changes can be just as significant. Some of the most common behaviors are:
- Aggression and Agitation: Unfortunately, dementia and aggressive behavior sometimes go hand in hand, manifesting as verbal outbursts, restlessness, or even physical aggression. This may be triggered by frustration, fear, or discomfort.
- Irritability and Mood Swings: Many families ask, “Does dementia cause irritability?” The answer is yes; individuals with dementia are prone to rapid mood changes, becoming easily upset over minor disruptions or unfamiliar situations.
- Sundowning: Increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon or evening is a common symptom known as sundowning.
- Hallucinations and Delusions: Some seniors see or hear things that aren’t there or develop unfounded suspicions about loved ones and caregivers.
- Repetitive Behaviors: These involve repeating questions, stories, or movements, which are possibly a response to anxiety or memory loss.
- Wandering: Some seniors wander away from home or care settings, which can be dangerous if they become lost or disoriented.
- Changes in Sleep: Many seniors with dementia experience difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep patterns, which contribute to behavioral symptoms.
Why Does Dementia With Behavioral Disturbance Occur?
Behavioral changes in dementia result from the progressive deterioration of brain function. This affects how individuals perceive and react to their surroundings. Some common factors that contribute to behavioral disturbance include the following.
Cognitive Impairment
As dementia progresses, the ability to process information, recognize faces, and understand language declines, leading to confusion.
Simple conversations are known to become overwhelming, and the inability to express thoughts clearly could bring out agitation. The brain’s capacity to adapt and problem-solve diminishes, making even mundane activities sources of distress.
Emotional Distress
Feelings of loss, isolation, or being misunderstood can manifest as irritability or aggression.
As those with dementia experience memory loss and cognitive decline, they may struggle to recognize loved ones or remember key aspects of their life. Social withdrawal is common, as they often feel embarrassed or frustrated by their inability to engage in conversations or complete tasks they once managed easily.
Physical Discomfort
Pain, infections, constipation, dehydration, or side effects of medication frequently lead to changes in behavior.
Since affected older adults have difficulty communicating discomfort, they might express their pain through restlessness, aggression, or increased confusion. Undiagnosed infections commonly result in sudden behavioral changes, including heightened agitation or hallucinations. Addressing these physical issues promptly alleviates plenty of distress and improves overall well-being.
Environmental Triggers
Noisy, chaotic, or unfamiliar surroundings could be overwhelming, leading to anxiety.
Crowded spaces, bright lights, or loud sounds are frequently distressing. Changes in routine or new caregivers may also provoke confusion. A well-structured, predictable environment with familiar objects and soothing stimuli significantly reduces tension and helps seniors feel more secure.
Unmet Needs
Hunger, thirst, fatigue, or the need to use the bathroom might not be communicated effectively, leading to restlessness or aggression.
Since dementia affects a person’s ability to recognize or express their needs, they may become irritable when basic needs are not met. Caregivers should remain attentive to subtle signs of discomfort, such as fidgeting or changes in facial expressions, and proactively address these needs before frustration escalates.
How We Manage Dementia-Related Behaviors at The Gardens
At The Gardens of Amarillo, our memory care approach prioritizes comfort, routine, and individualized care to minimize concerning behaviors. Our expert team employs the following strategies:
- Creating a Calm Environment: Reducing noise, clutter, and overstimulation helps lower anxiety levels.
- Maintaining Personalized Care Plans: Each resident receives a care plan adapted to them, ensuring their unique struggles are met with understanding and patience.
- Hosting Engaging Activities: Structured activities like music therapy, gentle exercise, and social interaction lessen restlessness and agitation.
- Communicating Compassionately: Our trained caregivers use gentle redirection, validation, and reassurance to soothe residents experiencing distress.
- Establishing Routine and Familiarity: Predictable daily schedules provide a sense of security, reducing confusion and anxiety.
- Providing Nutritional Support: Proper hydration and a balanced diet aid in regulating mood and energy levels.
How Families Can Help
Families play a crucial role in managing dementia-related behaviors. Here are some tips to help:
- Stay Patient and Reassuring: Speak calmly and offer simple, clear instructions.
- Identify Triggers: Pay attention to what precedes behavioral disturbance and try to minimize stressors.
- Encourage Routine: A predictable daily schedule tends to reduce confusion and restlessness.
- Engage in Meaningful Activities: Familiar activities like listening to favorite music, looking at old photos, or gentle exercise often bring comfort.
- Ensure Physical Comfort: Regular medical check-ups and addressing discomfort can prevent behavioral flare-ups.
Supporting Families Through the Journey
We know that dementia affects not only individuals but also their families. That’s why The Gardens of Amarillo offers resources, education, and support groups to help families understand and manage behavioral disturbance due to dementia.
If your loved one is experiencing challenging behavior-related changes, know that you are not alone.
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To learn more about how The Gardens of Amarillo helps families like yours, contact us today.
