Watching a loved one struggle with the changes brought on by dementia can be challenging and heartbreaking. Understanding the behaviors associated with dementia is the first step in providing the care and support they need. By recognizing these behaviors as more than just actions, but as attempts to communicate unmet needs, you can help your loved one navigate this difficult journey with compassion and patience. Let’s take a look at common dementia-related behaviors and how you can learn to better navigate them.
Understanding the Basics of Behavior
Behavior is a form of communication, especially for those living with dementia. When your loved one exhibits certain behaviors, it’s essential to ask, “What are they trying to tell me?” Instead of viewing these actions as mere symptoms of the disease, reframe them as reactions to their environment, emotions, or unmet needs. This perspective shift allows you to look beyond the surface and begin to understand the true meaning behind these behaviors.
For instance, if your loved one repeatedly asks the same question or appears agitated without an obvious cause, these behaviors are often their way of communicating something deeper—a need for reassurance, a response to discomfort, or even an attempt to express feelings they can no longer verbalize clearly. By recognizing these actions as a form of communication, you can approach each situation with greater empathy and patience, ultimately providing more effective support and care.
Identifying Stress or Fear: Signs of Anxiety in Your Loved One
One of the most common dementia-related behaviors is anxiety or agitation, often triggered by stress or fear. Your loved one may become restless, pacing or fidgeting, or they may express concerns about things that seem trivial or out of context. These signs of anxiety are not just random outbursts; they’re reactions to something that is unsettling or overwhelming for them.
For example, your loved one might be worried about something that seems insignificant to you, like the location of a particular item or an upcoming event. However, to them, these concerns can feel urgent and distressing. Instead of dismissing their worries, offer comfort and reassurance. A calm voice, a gentle touch, or simply being present can make a world of difference in easing their anxiety.
Examining the Behavior of Searching: The Constant Need to Find Something or Someone
Another dementia-related behavior to watch for in your loved one is searching or wandering, which may indicate that they are looking for something or someone from their past. This behavior often stems from a deep-seated need for familiarity or comfort, driven by memories that may be jumbled or incomplete. For instance, your loved one might repeatedly search for a family member who is no longer present or look for an object that holds sentimental value.
This searching behavior is not just a random act of confusion; it’s your loved one’s way of trying to reconnect with a time or person that brought them security and peace. Providing gentle reassurance, such as calmly talking about the person they are searching for or helping them find something that brings them comfort, can help reduce this behavior. Engaging them in activities that offer a sense of security and familiarity can also help fulfill their need to connect with their past, thereby reducing their urge to search or wander.
Understanding Boredom: The Desire for Purposeful Activity
Boredom can lead to a variety of behaviors in individuals with dementia, such as repetitive actions, restlessness, or repeatedly asking the same questions. This is often a sign that your loved one is searching for something to do, a way to feel useful and engaged. For someone living with dementia, the inability to find meaningful activities can create a sense of purposelessness, leading to frustration and disruptive dementia-related behaviors.
By recognizing these signs as expressions of boredom, you can take proactive steps to address them. Introducing simple, meaningful activities tailored to their abilities and interests can help satisfy this need. Whether it’s folding laundry, sorting objects, or engaging in a favorite hobby from their past, these activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and reduce feelings of boredom. By keeping your loved one engaged in purposeful tasks, you can help improve their mood and overall well-being, making their day more fulfilling.
Looking at Basic Needs: Unmet Physical or Emotional Needs
Sometimes, what appears to be difficult behavior is simply your loved one’s way of expressing a basic need. They may be hungry, thirsty, tired, or in pain but unable to communicate this directly. These unmet needs can manifest as agitation, irritability, or other challenging behaviors that might seem perplexing at first.
Your loved one might become increasingly restless in the late afternoon, a phenomenon often referred to as “sundowning.” While this could be attributed to many factors, it’s important to consider that they might be tired, hungry, or feeling overwhelmed by the day’s activities. Observing patterns in their behavior and addressing potential physical needs—like offering a snack, ensuring they’re comfortable, or providing a quiet space to rest—can often prevent these behaviors from escalating.
By being attentive to these basic needs and responding promptly, you can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the likelihood of disruptive behaviors. These actions are often their way of saying, “I need something,” even if they can’t articulate what that is.
Following Lifelong Habits: The Power of Routine
Many dementia-related behaviors are tied to lifelong habits and routines that your loved one has followed for years. These ingrained patterns can continue to influence their actions even as their memory and cognitive abilities decline. A person who worked night shifts for most of their life might still be awake and active during nighttime hours, or a former nurse might feel the need to “take care” of others, even in a care facility setting.
Understanding these habits allows you to create a supportive environment that honors their past and reduces confusion. Instead of trying to change these behaviors, consider ways to incorporate their routines into their daily life. If your loved one is used to being up at night, providing quiet activities that align with this pattern can help them feel more at ease. Similarly, allowing them to engage in familiar tasks, like organizing items or helping with simple chores, can provide a sense of purpose and continuity.
Routine plays a crucial role in creating a stable and comforting environment for those with dementia. By respecting and adapting to these lifelong habits, you can help reduce anxiety and provide a more predictable and reassuring daily structure for your loved one.
Learn More About Fairmont’s Memory Care
Is your loved one showing signs of dementia? Learn more about our Montessori-based Memory Care program at Fairmont Senior Living and how we can support your loved one.
Tips for Communicating Effectively with Your Loved One
As dementia progresses, your loved one’s ability to communicate may diminish. They might struggle to find the right words, lose track of conversations, or become easily frustrated when trying to express themselves. This can be a challenging experience for both of you, but understanding how to communicate effectively can make a significant difference in your interactions.
Communication isn’t just about words. Your tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language all play a crucial role in conveying your message. Speaking calmly and using simple, direct language can help your loved one understand what you’re trying to say. Give them time to process information and respond, and try to avoid correcting them if they make mistakes or forget something. Instead, gently guide the conversation and focus on maintaining a connection.
Another key aspect of effective communication is validation. If your loved one is confused or upset about something that may not seem logical to you, acknowledge their feelings instead of dismissing them. If they express concern about a long-past event, instead of trying to explain that it happened years ago, you might say, “I understand that you’re worried about that. Let’s talk about it.” This approach helps them feel heard and understood, reducing frustration and fostering a more positive interaction.
Preventing and Defusing Catastrophic Reactions
At times, dementia-related behaviors can lead to moments of aggression or intense emotional outbursts, often referred to as catastrophic reactions. These can be triggered by frustration, confusion, or fear and can be particularly distressing for both the individual and their caregiver.
The first step in handling these situations is to remain calm. Your loved one may be picking up on your emotions, and any sign of stress or frustration from you can escalate the situation. Speak in a soothing tone, and use non-threatening body language, such as open hands and a relaxed posture. Avoid arguing or trying to reason with them, as their ability to process complex information is likely diminished.
Instead of focusing on the behavior itself, try to identify the underlying cause. Are they uncomfortable, hungry, or tired? Is there something in their environment that is causing them distress, like loud noises or a crowded room? Once you have identified the potential trigger, you can gently redirect their attention to something more calming or familiar, such as a favorite activity, a comforting object, or a quiet space.
Sometimes, simply acknowledging their feelings and offering reassurance can help defuse the situation. Let them know that they are safe and that you are there to help. By responding to their emotions with empathy and understanding, you can often prevent these reactions from escalating and help your loved one return to a state of calm.
Key Takeaways
Dementia-related behaviors are often expressions of unmet needs or emotions. By understanding these actions as reactions, you can respond with greater empathy and effectiveness.
Whether your loved one is showing signs of anxiety, wandering, or restlessness, addressing the underlying causes can significantly improve their well-being. Establishing familiar routines, simplifying communication, and staying calm during challenging moments are essential strategies.
At Fairmont on Clayton, we believe that individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia can still lead meaningful and purposeful lives. Our Montessori-based Memory Care program is designed to provide personalized, enriching experiences tailored to each resident’s unique preferences, needs, and abilities. Through carefully crafted activities and a supportive environment, we help residents stay engaged and connected with their community. Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover how our compassionate care can make a difference for your loved one.