Seniors with dementia will often have changes in their behavior and personality. These changes can have a significant impact on the family. Understanding why these changes happen is important. It helps caregivers respond with empathy and patience. Read on to learn more about behavioral changes associated with dementia.
Understanding Behavioral Changes in Seniors with Dementia
How the Brain Affects Behavior
With dementia, behavior changes because the brain loses neurons, which are the cells that help it function. The affected area will impact the behavior changes you may notice.
Older adults may have difficulty focusing and planning when they lose cells in the frontal lobes. They may lose motivation, seem passive, or act impulsively. This behavior can cause dismay for family members because it can make their loved one seem like a different person.
Environmental and Emotional Triggers
Dementia changes how a person sees and understands their surroundings. A senior with Alzheimer’s may forget recent conversations, which can be frustrating. They might feel overwhelmed by crowds, loud noises, or sudden movements.
It may cause someone to act out or withdraw. People with dementia often pick up on the emotions of those around them. If caregivers feel anxious, seniors usually feel that anxiety, too.
Medical Factors Impacting Behavior
Illnesses may lead to changes in behavior. A person may feel pain or suffering that they are unable to express. Conditions like urinary tract infections, lack of sleep, and constipation can cause irritability and sudden mood changes. Some medications can also change mood and behavior.
Practical Tips for Caregivers
While dementia can cause behavioral changes, there is a lot caregivers can do to mitigate and manage these issues. We need to monitor changes in health, infections, or medication effects. For issues like wandering, we usually need to use non-drug approaches.
Understanding and Managing Behavior
Search for the cause of such a behavioral shift, such as challenges with the routine schedule. Differentiating between dangerous behavior needing an immediate response and annoying tendencies requiring patience can be challenging. Sticking to a schedule can help seniors regain some of their autonomy and self-confidence.
Self-Care and Support for Caregivers
Sometimes, caring for a person with dementia can be difficult. That’s why self-care and rest are important for caregivers. A support group can provide the necessary tools and help you discuss issues. When caregivers have the support they need, they’ll be better equipped to help others.
An important point is that communication can be an issue for many seniors with dementia. Difficulty communicating can make other behavioral issues even worse. You can read this post to learn tips for talking to someone with dementia.
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