Difficult Days
Aggressive Behavior
| Hallucinations | Anxiety
| Suspicion | Depression
| Apathy
Social & Sexual Appropriateness
| Sundowning, Restlessness, Wandering
Aggressive Behavior
Aggressive behavior may include shouting, name calling, hitting or pushing.
Aggressive behavior can happen suddenly for a reason we don't understand.
It is important to try to understand what is causing the person with AD to
become angry or upset. For example, it could be a sudden noise or the need
to go to the bathroom.
How you can help
- What happened that made him react the way he did?
- Do not think about the act; think about the way he feels.
- Don't get angry and upset. Be positive and reassuring.
- Limit distractions.
- Walk away if safe to do so; go into another room.
- Try a relaxing activity, such as music or massage.
- Develop an emergency plan for violent episodes. Call 911 if you
feel in danger.
Hallucinations, Agitation, Suspicion
Hallucinations occur when a person with AD hears or sees things that are not
there. Delusions are false ideas the person holds and acts upon. These feelings
are closely related to suspicious and fearful behaviors.
How you can help
- The feelings are very real to her. Do not argue.
- Reassure and distract her when a hallucination or delusion is frightening.
- Make sure she has good glasses and hearing aids, if she needs them.
- Reduce clutter and shadows in her room.
- Talk to the doctor if very afraid.
Anxious or Agitated Feelings
A person with The may feel anxious or upset at times. He may become
restless and need to move around or pace. Or he may become upset in certain
places or focus on certain details. He may also want your attention and direction.
- How you can help
- Listen to his frustration. Find out what may be causing his anxiety.
- Reassure him by using claming words and letting him know you are there to help.
- Get him to do something else; distract him.
- Decrease noise and distractions or move to another place.
- Find ways he can use his energy. Take a walk, play ball, dance or go for a car ride.
Suspicious Thoughts
Due to memory loss and confusion, the person with the disease may
see things differently than before he became ill. He may be suspicious of
those around him and accuse them of theft, cheating or other improper acts.
He may also misunderstand what he sees and hears.
How you can help
- Listen to what is bothering him and try to understand.
- Let him know you care.
- Don't argue.
- Offer a simple answer.
- Switch his attention to another activity.
- Replace lost items. If she's looking for something specific, have several around. For example, have two empty wallets.
Depression, Apathy
Depression may result from medications, sadness at the loss of not
being able to function, physical illness or a change related to The. Depression
is common in the early stage of the disease. It is important to treat depression
in a person with the disease.
How you can help
- The caregiver should alert the person's doctor.
- Offer comfort and reassurance.
- Encourage the person with the disease to spend time with other people.
Apathy
Apathy is a loss of interest in self, people or activities. Common
in the later stages of the disease, apathy may also be a sign of depression.
How you can help
- Try different things until you find one he likes.
- Realize that his interests may change.
- Ask him to do simple tasks. Use familiar activities.
- Ask him to help you.
- Allow him to express sadness.
Social & Sexual Appropriateness
These behaviors may happen as the disease progresses because the person with The forgets what privacy or modesty means. Because the person can't talk easily, he may withdraw from uncomfortable social situations.
How you can help
- If his behavior is harmless, ignore the way he acts, even if it is annoying.
- If you know that certain places or times make the person act incorrectly, don't go there or do them.
- Distract him. Keep a list of activites he enjoys, such as walking, listening to music or eating a treat. You can use these when you feel a problem is coming.
- Do not scold him.
- Be prepared. Plan ahead what you will do or how you will respond if he begins to make inappropriate comments or removes clothing.
Sundowning, Restlessness, Wandering
Sundowning occurs when the person with AD wanders, paces or becomes
agitated. Sundowning often happens in the evening and at night.
How you can help
- Plan the day so there is less to do late in the afternoon.
- Play quiet music instead of a loud television for less noise and fewer distractions.
- Take a walk.
- Plan enough daytime activities to leave her tired by evening.
- Provide good lighting to reduce shadows.
Restlessness, wandering, pacing
A person with The may pace, wander or be restless. This may occur because
he is looking for something, using extra energy, or feeling uneasy.
How you can help
- Make the home or room safe by removing knick knacks or by moving furniture so there is a clear path.
- Give him something to do or change the focus to something else.
- Put away items, such as a coat or car keys, that may make her want to leave the house. Because she may wander out of the house, lock doors and windows, put a gate across stairs or a bell on doors to warn you she is leaving. Put locks at the top of the door where the won't be easily noticed.
- Enroll person in the Safe Return program through the Association.