My loved one has dementia and acts out. What can I do?

Posted: February 26, 2016, 12:03PM

Communication is the way we exchange information. It's how we interact, how we build and maintain relationships, how we connect to others. As language abilities change with dementia, the ability to communicate changes also. People with dementia may not be able to find the right words...or any words at all. Thinking and processing slow down. (Did you know that it can take 90 seconds or more for someone with dementia to process a simple statement?) Multiple conversations, loud noises, or surrounding activities become more distracting. How frustrating it must be to know you need something or want to get an idea across but are unable to verbalize that!

Maybe your loved one is cold or hot, hungry or thirsty, in pain, anxious, agitated or angy. Maybe they're afraid. Those behaviors you are seeing may well be your loved one trying to communicate those needs or feelings. You need to "listen to what they are DOING".

(If there is a sudden change in behavior, arrange a medical evaluation to see if there is an infection or another physical cause. Medication or medication side effects may also be contributing factors. In the absence of medical changes, start looking at other possible factors.)

A behavior log may help. When does the behavior occur? Who was present? What happens just before the behavior? What was the behavior? What did you try and what helped?

You may try to Reassure your loved one. Distract them from what is going on. Then Redirect them to another activity.

Learn more about Dementia & Challenging Behaviors at our FREE community program on May 17! Jenifer Lane who is the Education Coordinator with the Mid Ohio Valley Office of the WV Alzheimer's Association will present the program and offer some techniques to help with challenging behaviors! Contact us for more information or to register!