Alzheimer’s disease causes brain cells to die, causing the brain to function less effectively over time. This alters how a person acts and behaves such as wandering off from their home, leaving many close ones befuddled as to how to deal with the patient’s personality and behavior changes. If you have to care for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease, this article will give some tips to help you understand and manage the personality and behavior changes in Alzheimer’s disease.
Factors Affecting Their Behavior
Aside from changes in the brain, the following factors may influence how a patient with Alzheimer’s behave:
- Sadness, worry, bewilderment, or anxiety are all examples of negative emotions.
- Illness, discomfort, or a lack of sleep are all examples of health-related issues.
- Other health-related issues include infections, constipation, hunger or thirst, and vision or hearing impairments.
Other issues in their environment may have an impact on a person with Alzheimer’s disease’s behavior. Too much noise, such as TV, radio, or many individuals talking at the same time, can be frustrating and confusing. Stepping from one type of flooring to another may lead a person to believe he or she has to take a step down. Mirrors may lead people to believe that a mirror image represents another person in the room.
Tips for Coping With Patients
Caregivers cannot prevent Alzheimer’s-related personality and behavioral changes, but they may learn to manage with them. Here are some pointers:
- Maintain a straightforward approach. One question or statement at a time.
- Establish a daily schedule so that the individual is aware of when certain events will occur.
- Assure the individual that he or she is secure and that you are available to assist.
- Focus on his or her emotions rather than words.
- Don’t debate or try to persuade the individual.
- Try not to express your annoyance or fury. If you become agitated, take ten deep breaths and count to ten. Leave the room for a few minutes if it’s safe to do so.
- When possible, use humor.
- Provide a safe walking area for people who pace a lot. Provide durable, comfy shoes. Give them snacks to consume as they walk to avoid losing too much weight, and make sure they drink enough water.
- Distract your loved one by playing music, singing, or dancing.
Solicit assistance by asking them for help. Say something like, “Let’s set the table” or “I need help folding the clothes.”
Discuss any issues with your loved one’s doctor, such as hitting, biting, depression, or hallucinations. Some behavioral problems can be treated with medications.
Lead A Fulfilling Retirement Life at The Summit
Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s is a difficult task that comes with its own set of obstacles. With our SHINE® Memory Care Program, we hope to help you and your loved ones get through difficult times. Using a person-centered approach, we want to develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to your loved one’s specific talents and requirements. The Summit also provides other types of services such as concierge, maintenance, transportation, and housekeeping, which will definitely make you fall in love with The Summit’s all-inclusive lifestyle.
Contact us now to learn more about living at The Summit and everything we have to offer!
