Understanding Dementia-Related Behaviors

Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the main ways people with dementia communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. Some of these behavior changes can present real challenges for caregivers to understand manage.

As a caregiver it is important to join the person your or caring for in their reality by trying to see the world through their eyes. Consider what happened before, during, and after the behavior took place.

 

Common Behavioral Changes Seen in Those with Dementia

People with dementia can exhibit a variety of behavioral changes. Understanding these behaviors can help caregivers respond more effectively and compassionately. Below are some common changes in behavior a person with dementia might exhibit:

• Memory Los: Frequently forgetting recent events or information.
• Confusion: Becoming easily disoriented about time, place, or people.
• Mood Swings: Experiencing rapid changes in mood, such as becoming anxious, agitated, or depressed.
• Withdrawal: Losing interest in activities or social interactions they once enjoyed.
• Repetition: Repeating questions, stories, or behaviors.
• Wandering: Moving around aimlessly or trying to leave the house.
• Aggression: Exhibiting physical or verbal outbursts.
• Sleep Disturbances: Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping.
• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
• Paranoia: Developing unfounded suspicions about others, such as thinking people are stealing from them.

If you’re caring for someone who’s showing these behaviors, it’s important to try to understand why they’re behaving like this. You may find it helpful to remember that these behaviors may be how someone is communicating their feelings.

 

Pay Attention to Possible Triggers

Sometimes these behaviors are not a symptom of dementia, but instead a result of frustration with not being understood or confusion with their environment, which they no longer find familiar. Changes in behavior can be difficult to deal with. It can be helpful to pay attention to possible triggers:

• Do some behaviors happen at a certain time of day?
• Is the person finding the home too noisy or cluttered?
• Do these changes happen when a person is being asked to do something they may not want to do?

 

 

Reducing Out-of-Character Behaviors

If the change in behavior comes on suddenly, the cause may be a health problem. Keeping an active social life, regular exercise, and continuing activities the person enjoys, or finding new ones, can help to reduce behaviors that are out of character.

Other things that can help include:

• Providing reassurance.
• A quiet, calming environment.
• Activities that give pleasure and confidence.
• Therapies, such as animal-assisted therapy, music therapy, and massage therapy.

Listen to the questions the person with dementia is asking and consider very carefully what the best answer might be from their perspective rather than your own. It is crucial that the information they receive generates good feelings for them. For people with dementia, feelings are more important than facts.

Remember the past is often a soothing and affirming activity. Someone with dementia may struggle to remember what happened 45 minutes ago, but can still clearly recall memories from 45 years earlier. Therefore, avoid asking questions that rely on short-term memory. Instead, try asking general questions about the person’s distant past—this information is more likely to be retained. You may discover that this simple communication method may help to lessen some of the behaviors that you have been working on.

 

Tips for Sharpening Your Communication Skills

Improving your communication skills will help make caregiving less stressful and will improve the quality of your relationship with the person you are caring for. Good communication skills will enhance your ability to handle the difficult behaviors you may encounter as you are providing care.  Here are some helpful tips when communicating with someone with dementia:

1. ) Set a Positive Mood for Interaction.

Your attitude and body language communicate your feelings and thoughts better than your words. Use facial expressions, tone of voice, and physical touch to help convey your message and show your feelings.

 

2. ) Limit Distractions

Get the person’s attention by limiting distractions and noise. Turn off the TV or move to quieter surroundings. Before speaking, make sure you have their attention; address them by name, identify yourself by name and relation, and use nonverbal cues and touch to help keep them focused.

 

3. ) State Your Message Clearly

State your message clearly. Use simple words and sentences. Speak slowly, distinctly, and in a reassuring tone. Refrain from raising your voice higher or louder; instead, pitch your voice lower. If they don’t understand the first time, use the same wording to repeat your message or question. If they still don’t understand, wait a few minutes and rephrase the question. Use the names of people and places instead of pronouns or abbreviations.

 

 

4. ) Be an Active Listener

Listen with your ears, eyes, and heart. Be patient in waiting for the person’s reply. If they are struggling for an answer, it’s okay to suggest words. Watch for nonverbal cues and body language and respond appropriately. Always strive to listen for the meaning and feelings that underlie the words.

 

5. ) Break Down Activities into Steps

Break down activities into a series of steps. This makes tasks more manageable. You can encourage your loved one to do what they can, gently remind them of steps, and assist with steps they’re no longer able to accomplish on their own. Using visual cues, such as showing them with your hands can be very helpful.

 

6. ) Redirect when Needed

If your loved one becomes upset or agitated, redirect the situation by changing the subject or the environment. For example, you can suggest going for a walk. It is important to remain calm in these situations. Use a calming tone when speaking and stay patient.

 

7. ) Always Respond with Affection and Reassurance

People with dementia often feel confused, anxious, and unsure of themselves. They often get reality confused and may recall things that never really occurred. Avoid trying to convince them they are wrong. Stay focused on the feelings they are demonstrating and respond with verbal and physical expressions of comfort, support, and reassurance.

 

Communication is Key to Meeting Your Loved One in His/ Her Reality

Whether you are caring for a spouse, parent, friend, or patient with dementia, recognizing that behavior is a key form of communication for individuals with dementia is vital. Search for the information and the language that is most acceptable to them to meet them in their reality. Consider memories from their past in order to understand what is happening around them now and take careful note of the language they use, so that you can follow them, rather than expecting them to follow you. This will not only help in addressing the needs and feelings of those with dementia but it can reduce dementia-related behaviors and improve your experience as a  caregiver.

 

 

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia and is considering a memory support community, consider taking a tour of one of The Ohio Masonic Communities campuses. With three senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio – each offers premier living options with exceptional experiences so residents can live their best lives. If you are interested in learning more about one of our communities, give us a call at 1-877-881-1623. We will be happy to answer all your questions and be a trusted resource in the search for the right community for you!