AGITATION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE CAREGIVER TOOLBOX
What is agitation in Alzheimer’s disease?
As your loved one’s brain changes with Alzheimer’s disease, their behavior can change too. Agitation in Alzheimer’s disease includes movements such as pacing or rocking, verbal aggression such as yelling or using profanity outside of normal, or physical aggression, such as pushing or slamming doors. It can have several causes, such as moving to a new residence or nursing home, changes in their environment, hospitalization, changes in caregiver arrangements, and fear of or anxiety about their changing world. It is important to talk to the doctor to make sure there isn’t another reason for their agitation. Read more about agitation in Alzheimer’s disease at https://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers-disease/agitation-inalzheimers-disease-expert-tips-for-caregivers/ or https://www.alz.org/helpsupport/caregiving/stages-behaviors/anxiety-agitation
How common is agitation in Alzheimer’s disease?
Behavioral and psychological symptoms can accompany dementia, which includes agitation. Around half of patients with Alzheimer’s disease can have agitation related to their disease. It is more common in patients with more advanced Alzheimer’s disease. The type and severity of agitation can change over time, especially when the patient’s circumstances change. Some patients experience “sundowning,” where agitation is more common in the late afternoons and evenings as the sun is setting than at other parts of the day.
How can a social worker help our family?
Please talk to your physician about finding local resources through a social worker or ask to be connected to a neurologist, who typically have social workers on staff. Social workers can direct patients and their caregivers to resources in the community, help determine what is needed for the patient and caregiver at any point, and provide advice to loved ones about addressing common scenarios that arise in Alzheimer’s disease. A national hotline is also available at https://alzfdn.org/contact-social-worker/
Are there ways I can help calm my loved one down if they are showing agitation?
There are several ways outside of medication that can help calm an agitated patient. It may take trial and error to figure out the best way to soothe a patient and will differ person to person. It can be hard for caregivers to stay calm when their loved one is agitated or taking their feelings out on the caregiver, but this is one of the most important ways to help your loved one. While it is a good idea to try to figure out the trigger for agitation so that it can be reduced or removed, distractors, such as food or their favorite music, can be important. Similarly, finding an outlet for the patient, whether it is going for a walk, chores, or art can help to channel the patient’s energy into another area. It is helpful for the caregiver to validate their loved one’s experience and understand that their loved one is frightened in the current circumstances. Keeping a calm, quiet environment can reduce agitation overall, as can keeping choices or information simple. See more information at https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/whats-the-best-wayto-manage-agitation-related-to-dementia-2020021418816 or https://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers-disease/agitation-in-alzheimers-diseaseexpert-tips-for-caregivers/ There are also options for online training to be better prepared to care for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease who is agitated. One example can be found at https://pennmemorycenter.org/education-and-support-resources/caregiver-support/
