Tips for Managing Dementia Behaviors and Symptoms
As dementia progresses, individuals often lose the ability to clearly express their thoughts. When they struggle to understand a question, cannot communicate their needs, feel a loss of control, misinterpret a situation, or feel unsafe, they may respond with expressions of pain, fear, frustration, depression, agitation, anxiety, or anger. These emotions can sometimes manifest as certain behaviors.
By recognizing the underlying needs and emotions behind these actions, we can improve communication with our loved ones and help them feel safe and supported.
Below are suggestions on how to respond when your loved one presents challenging behaviors.
Make sure that their basic needs are met.
Are they hungry, thirsty, hot, cold, tired, in pain, or needing to use the bathroom?
Speak to the emotions. Acknowledge what they are feeling.
Reflect what they are saying and ask questions to learn more.
Try the “yes, and…” method. “Yes, you want your purse and I am going to look for it.” “Yes, you want to see your sister and tell me about her.”
Do not argue or use logic to explain something. Logic and orienting to reality do not work.
Agree with them and redirect their focus and attention.
Offer to provide help.
Supporting your loved one is more important than telling them the truth.
If they are blaming you, take the blame.
Encourage and reassure. Your loved one may not be feeling safe, secure, comfortable or in a familiar environment.
Remain calm and use positive body language.
Use calming gestures such as placing your hand on theirs.
Let them know they are safe and you are there to help.
Approach from the side and remain in their line of sight.
Keep it simple.
Instruct them one step at a time.
Give simple choices.
Provide them plenty of time and do not rush them.
Use a distraction.
Try changing the subject.
Play a favorite song or show them a familiar photo.
Offer them something soft or warm to hold.
Find something useful for them to do such as cleaning, folding, sorting, building, or gardening.
Give your loved one space and reattempt to engage them at a later time.
If it is safe to do so, leave the room and come back later with a smile.
Keep track of when the behaviors occur and identify patterns to determine what could be causing the response.
Call 911 if your loved one is a danger to themselves or others.
Here is a short video on Six Tips to Help Manage Behavior Changes in Alzheimer's Disease.
For more information on addressing specific behaviors see:
Accusations, hallucinations, and delusions
Sundowning and sleep disturbances