The Alzheimer's Digest: How to Deal with Agitation and Agression From A Loved One With Alzheimer's Disease

Thursday, May 30, 2013

How to Deal with Agitation and Agression From A Loved One With Alzheimer's Disease

Agitation means that a person is restless and worried. He or she doesn't seem to be able to settle down. Agitated people may pace a lot, not be able to sleep, or act aggressively toward others. They may verbally lash out or try to hit or hurt someone. Most of the time, these behaviors happen for a reason. When they happen, try to find the cause.
For example, the person may have:

Pain, depression, or stress and not know how to explain it
Too little rest or sleep
Constipation
Soiled underwear or diaper

Other causes of agitation and aggression:

Sudden change in a well-known place, routine, or person
• A feeling of loss. For example, the person with Alzheimer's Disease may miss the freedom to drive or the chance to care for children
Too much noise or confusion or too many people in the room
Being pushed by others to do something. For example, to bathe, or remember events or people, when Alzheimer's Disease has made the activity very hard or impossible
Feeling lonely and not having enough contact with other people
Interaction of medicines

Tips to help you cope with agitation and aggression:

Look for the early signs of agitation or aggression. If you see the signs, you can deal with the cause before the problem behaviors start.
Try not to ignore the problem. Doing nothing can make things worse. Try to find the causes of the behavior. If you deal with the causes, the behavior may stop.
Slow down and try to relax if you think your own worries may be affecting the person with Alzheimer's Disease. Try to find a way to take a break from caregiving.
Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible.
Try to distract the person with a favorite snack, object, or activity.

You also can:

Reassure him or her. Speak calmly. Listen to the person's concerns and frustrations. Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful.
Keep well-loved objects and photographs around the house. This can make the person feel more secure.
Reduce noise, clutter, or the number of people in the room.
Try gentle touching, soothing music, reading, or walks.
Build quiet times into the day, along with activities.
Limit the amount of caffeine, sugar, and "junk food" the person drinks and eats.

Things the doctor can do:

Give the person a medical exam to find any problems that may cause the behavior. These problems might include pain, depression, or the effects of certain medicines.
Check the person's vision and hearing each year.

Important things to do when the person is aggressive:

Protect yourself and your family members from aggressive behavior. If you have to, stay at a safe distance from the person until the behavior stops.
As much as possible, protect the person from hurting himself or herself.
Ask the doctor or Alzheimer's Disease specialist if medicine may be needed to prevent or reduce agitation or aggression.