Understanding Alzheimer/ Dementia Behaviours

Behaviours associated with complex and challenging mental health, dementia or other neurological conditions include aggression, wandering, agitation. These apparent changes in the personality of the person with the disease are a major source of distress both to the person who is presenting the behaviours and to those who experience them – the caregiver, the family members, and the service providers in all sectors of the health-care system.

 

Read more in this section about understanding the behaviours and how to respond to them. For more information, please contact your local Alzheimer Society

 

 

The behaviour	The strategies
Wandering Walks away from home unattended with the risk of becoming lost	Look for an immediate cause. Reassure the person and distract him with another activity. Move locks on the outside doors out of reach. Disguise doors with paint or wallpaper. Ensure regular walks and exercise. Put reminders (i.e., coat, hat) out of sight and reach. Inform neighbours. Register with MedicAlert® Safely Home®.
Restlessness Paces nervously, drums fingers, etc. for long periods of time	Distract the person -- find a meaningful activity. Calm her with music or touch. Consider pacing as a form of exercise (make sure her way is clear). Look for a pattern and arrange your schedule to be with her at that time.
Repeated actions Repeats words or actions over and over and over again	If the behaviour does not bother you, do nothing. Distract him with simple activities (i.e., folding laundry, polishing the furniture, shoes, etc.) Change the subject. Stay calm.
Suspicion Thinks others are trying to hurt her Accuses others of stealing possessions	Provide comfort. Don't argue or try to reason with her. Don't take accusations personally. Distract with another activity.
Sexual behaviour Removing clothes/exposing herself Physical and verbal advances towards others	Don't judge or scold. Provide affection. Look for unrelated needs (Does she need to use the toilet? Is she lonely or bored? Is she too hot or cold?) Distract with other activities. Stay calm. Provide privacy.
Aggression Physical and emotional outbursts (i.e., shouting, hitting) Custom Business Cards 20% Off!

Put Groceries Away! sort of....

The great news is that your loved one put up her groceries all by herself! WONDERFUL!!!!

The bad news is that she put them in the Wash Machine.

Here's a suggestion or two to get you thru....

It is very possible that your loved one is having trouble recognizing items such as the refrigerator in her kitchen. If the Washer and Dryer are in the kitchen as well, it would not be surprising that something kitchen related ends up in there instead.

• Try putting signs on the Washer, Dryer, Stove, and Refrigerator to help your loved one identify the different appliances.
• Share your story at a Caregiver Support Group meeting so others can benefit from your "Adventures with Mpn"!!!

Dementia Signage


   


  


Kitchen Signs & Pantry Labels

Night Shouting

People with Alzheimer's or Dementia sometimes shout at night. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Think about how the room looks in the dark. There are probably shadows or shapes that can't be seen when the light is on. These things could be misinterpreted by your loved one and look frightening in the dark.

If your loved one shouts out at night, try putting a nightlight in his or her bedroom. This will also help prevent falls if he or she gets up to use the bathroom or pace around the house.
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