Dementia is a comprehensive term for several disorders impacting an individual’s memory function and cognitive abilities. While the disease can affect people of any age, dementia symptoms overwhelmingly impact senior citizens. 70% of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia in the United States. In 2023, 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, but the number is expected to more than double in the next 30 years.
Those with Alzheimer’s typically exhibit dementia symptoms, including memory loss, mood and personality swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Being a caregiver to a dementia patient can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. Recognizing dementia behaviors can help loved ones navigate and manage the circumstances with patience and understanding.
Here are some symptoms that friends and family members may identify when helping their loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
Difficulty Communicating: Dementia eventually deteriorates the individual’s ability to communicate. Depending on the progression of the disease, the patient may be able to convey their needs and desires effectively, but it may take more effort and time to do so. Caregivers should be patient and give them the time they need to get their thoughts out. For late-stage dementia patients, there may be significant challenges in communicating. They may labor to remember certain words, be unable to coherently collect their thoughts, or begin to utilize nonverbal communication more frequently. Loved ones should provide both comfort and measured optimism when in conversation, using more straightforward speech and asking only one question at a time.
Aggressive Behavior: Those with dementia often exhibit irritability and may resort to aggression if they are confused, frustrated, or afraid. Sudden loud noises, feeling overwhelmed with questions, sensing annoyance from their caregiver, or being scolded are all common scenarios that may trigger an aggressive episode. Loved ones may comfort them by holding their hands or rubbing their back, but if they don’t like being touched, use soothing words to reassure them. Be sure to allow them whatever space they need to work through their feelings and calm down.
Episodes of Wandering: Dementia patients can be prone to wandering, a dangerous behavior if they leave the safety of their residence. This behavior may be caused by feeling disoriented or suffering a memory lapse – but may also reveal feelings of restlessness or boredom. Wandering can indicate deep feelings of loneliness or fear – or merely suggest that they want something to eat. Assure your loved one that they are at home and safe with you. If wandering behavior has a calming effect, discreetly supervise them and permit them to explore in a secure area.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms manifest differently from patient to patient. One individual may seem quite happy even if disoriented, while another may be aggressive to the point of striking out. These diverse symptoms and unpredictable situations can be tough on caregivers. If you are responsible for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it is understandable to reach a point where the situation is too overwhelming. While it is natural to feel guilty about wanting to seek out alternatives, you should give yourself some grace. Dementia is a complex disease that can consume caregivers’ time and monopolize their energy and attention. In many cases, professional care at a senior residence can provide the expert care the patient needs and take the pressure off of an overwhelmed family.
At My Care Finders, we understand that many emotions are associated with deciding to place your loved one in memory care. We work with families to determine the perfect residence to meet the dementia patient’s holistic needs and geographic and financial requirements.
Our services are FREE OF CHARGE and will give your family the knowledge you need to make an educated and loving choice for your loved one. Call today to learn more about how we can help you to choose the right
