Dementia Behaviors

As Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress, behaviors often change in increasingly challenging ways. The confusion and frustration related to cognitive decline often leads to behavioral issues such as:
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Verbal and physical aggression
• Increased anxiety
• Repetition
• Shadowing
• Wandering
• Disrobing
• Skin picking
• Sleeplessness

While there is no definitive solution for effectively dealing with challenging dementia behaviors, behavioral therapies are often the first intervention used in an attempt to modify these disruptive behaviors. Families are often advised to try validation techniques and to try comforting and calming measures to diffuse increasing agitation and irritability. Many caregivers turn to antipsychotic medications to reduce problematic behaviors, however there are no FDA approved medications specifically prescribed for this purpose.

As an individual progresses through the stages of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiver responsibilities increase. To help caregivers who are dealing with the challenges of dementia care, we have compiled expert advice as well tips and strategies from the experience of other caregivers who are coping with challenging dementia behaviors.