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.
Dementia Behaviors Articles
An Inside Take on Dementia Behaviors
A dementia patient’s perspective on shadowing, repeating questions and dealing with other troubling behaviors associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
26 CommentsDementia Caregiving Tips from Teepa Snow
Five dementia caregiving tips from Teepa Snow, acclaimed dementia care authority and occupational therapist known as “the horse whisperer of dementia.”
37 CommentsIs Using Validation for Dementia Calming or Condescending?
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia often live in an altered reality. Using “therapeutic fibbing” to validate their perceptions and feelings is the kindest, most respectful way to handle confusion, hallucinations and delusions.
122 CommentsHow to Handle Alzheimer’s Aggression
One of the biggest challenges for dementia caregivers is dealing with anger and aggression. Understanding how and why these behaviors occur can help you defuse them.
36 CommentsDementia Behavior Can Seem Like Manipulation
When a parent with dementia begins acting childlike or deceitful, it is sometimes assumed they are being manipulative because their behavior is just so outrageous. The fact is that most seniors with dementia aren't capable of truly manipulative behavior.
54 CommentsConfabulation in Dementia Can Feel Like Hurtful Lies
Memory loss is a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but neurological damage can also cause patients to make up hurtful stories and level false accusations toward their caregivers.
160 Comments
Dementia Behaviors Questions
How do I show the pcp how far the dementia has progressed in such a short visit?
35 AnswersHow to help Mom watch favorite TV shows all night? She can't understand how to proceed past the “are you still watching” prompt.
6 AnswersMIL with dementia suddenly a lot more lucid after the move to AFH. Has anyone seen something like this before?
6 AnswersHow do you respond when your husband accuses you of going out at night and having affairs? How can I validate?
4 AnswersGrandma1954 Answered Jan 17, 2021
Dementia Behaviors Discussions
I am so frustrated because I try to be patient and caring with my 85 yr old MIL with dementia, but I'm failing.
7 Commentscindybrownlbsw Commented 11 hours agoElderly Theft Accusations...
4 CommentsNYDaughterInLaw Commented Jan 1, 2021You cannot reason with dementia!
6 Commentsfunkygrandma59 Commented Dec 7, 2020Every time I see my Dad he says the same thing.
4 CommentsNeedHelpWithMom Commented Nov 5, 2020
Dementia Behaviors Related Topics
- Alzheimer's & Dementia
- Burnout
- Cognitive Decline
- Violent Behavior
- Sundowner's Syndrome
- Memory Loss
- Dementia Wandering
- Signs of Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Severe Dementia
- Mild Dementia
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Caregiving
- Early Onset Alzheimer's
- Adult Day Care
- Home Modification
- Aging in Place
- Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Prostate Cancer