Acting as a caregiver for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be incredibly challenging. As your loved one progresses through the stages of the disease, behaviors may change, and that means adjusting your care accordingly.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage these shifts in behavior. While many behavioral changes are associated with this condition, here we will walk you through some of the most common, discuss how to manage them, and give you a brief overview of the supportive memory care options available at Friendship Village of South Hills.
5 Common Alzheimer’s Behavior Changes
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that nearly 7 million Americans age 65 or older are living with some form of dementia, with an estimated rise to 13 million by 2050. In addition to the difficulties these individuals face, there’s also a significant demand on their caregivers. Caregiving for Alzheimer’s can often feel overwhelming and lead to emotional, physical, and financial exhaustion. This exhaustion, or burnout, can make it difficult to adjust to a loved one’s behavioral changes. To help you better understand and prepare for the challenge of caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, here’s a quick look at five of the most common behavior changes.
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Memory Loss and Confusion
Memory loss and confusion are some of the most commonly known Alzheimer’s symptoms. In earlier stages of the disease this may be mild, but can still lead to frustration in the person with dementia. As things progress, they may start to forget relationships, names, or even how to use common items.
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Anger and Aggression
When you’re caring for someone, it can be surprising when they react with anger or aggression. Whether the aggressive behavior is verbal or physical, it’s important to remember this isn’t intentional or personal. Alzheimer’s aggression can be due to physical discomfort, environmental factors, or communication struggles caused by changes in the brain.
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Sleeping and Eating Problems
The effects of Alzheimer’s disease can disrupt the ability to get enough food, water, and sleep. Eating and drinking can become especially challenging as utensils become difficult to use. Lack of appetite may also be caused by medications that alleviate other symptoms. Further, brain disease can alter the sleep cycle, causing disorientation at night known as “sundowning.”
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Wandering
Wandering is one of the most common and dangerous behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that six in 10 people with dementia will wander at least once. This behavior is often because those with the disease don’t have the ability to recognize familiar places or people.
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Hallucinations and Paranoia
Memory loss and brain damage due to Alzheimer’s can cause individuals to become more paranoid and suspicious and, in some cases, even lead to hallucinations. Confusion and memory loss can cause a loved one to accuse caretakers of theft or other improper behaviors, while sensory impacts on the brain may cause them to perceive things that aren’t actually there.
Managing Alzheimer’s Behaviors | Addressing Common Challenges
When those closest to you start to experience behavior changes, it can leave you guessing about how to respond. Here are strategies for managing each of the five most common Alzheimer’s behavior changes.
Managing Alzheimer’s Memory Loss and Confusion
- Stay calm and do your best not to show distress or hurt
- Keep explanations simple and easy to understand
- Utilize photos or other media to remind them of relationships or places
- Phrase corrections as suggestions so they don’t feel attacked
Managing Alzheimer’s Anger and Aggression
- Consider factors like loud noises or large crowds that could be overstimulating
- Try to schedule appointments and activities at the time of day your loved one is most alert and aware
- Communicate with simple, easy-to-understand questions and instructions
- Make sure the behavior isn’t being triggered by physical pain
- Try shifting to activities your loved one finds relaxing or soothing
- If you reach your limit, step away for a moment and give yourself a break
Managing Alzheimer’s Sleeping and Eating Problems
- Try to stick to a regular schedule of meals, waking up, and going to bed
- Spend time outdoors getting sunlight and exercise
- Reduce stimulation in the evening hours before going to bed
- Focus on calming or soothing activities
- Make sure medications aren’t causing sleeplessness or lack of appetite
- Limit daytime naps for better sleep at night
Managing Alzheimer’s Wandering
- Avoid busy locations that might cause confusion
- Supervise your loved one in new locations and make sure they’re comfortable
- Use structured activities to keep them engaged
- Identify when wandering is most common and plan activities during that time
- Provide reassurance when your loved one is feeling lost or disoriented
- Make sure basic needs like food, water, and bathroom use are accounted for so they don’t go searching
Managing Alzheimer’s Hallucinations and Paranoia
- Acknowledge your loved one’s feelings and respond in a calm, reassuring tone
- Find distractions such as moving to a different space or listening to calming music
- Don’t argue or tell them their concerns are invalid
- Look for environmental sources such as noises or lights that could be altering their perceptions
- Respond honestly to their questions and don’t discount their reality
Learn About Memory Care at Friendship Village of South Hills
At Friendship Village of South Hills, we understand how challenging it can be to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. If you feel you may be experiencing caregiver burnout or could just use some extra assistance, our skilled, compassionate team is here to offer support.
We’ll work with you to understand your concerns and your loved one’s needs and craft a custom wellness plan for them. Contact us today to start the conversation and learn more about the memory care options available at our Pittsburgh-area community.
