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Dementia Behavior Management
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Dementia Behavior Management
What is Dementia
Dementia
A general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.
MEMORY LOSS
Signs and Symptoms
DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING
Signs and symptoms of dementia can vary greatly. Examples include problems with:
Signs and Symptoms
MOOD CHANGES
Thinking
Causes of Dementia
Causes
Behavior
Dementia is caused by damange to brain cells. This damage interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other. This inability to communicate can affect:
Feelings
Communication
Communicating with a person with Dementia
Difficulty finding the right words.
Using familiair words repeatedly
Reverting to using a native language
Changes in the ability to communicate can vary and are based on the individual and where they are in the disease process.
Changes in communication
Difficulty organizing words logically.
Speaking less often
Describing famiar objects rather than calling them by name.
Easily losing a train of thought
Relying on gestures rather than speaking.
Problems you may see are:
Communicating with CARE
Understanding dementia related behavior
Understanding Behavior
Personality and behavior changes occur. You can best meet these challenges by using creativity, flexibility, patience, and compassion.
Aggression and Anger
Aggression and Anger
CAUSES
May be verbal or physical and can occur suddenly, with no reason, or result from frustrating situations.
Physical Discomfort
Physical Discomfort
- It is not uncommon for persons with Alzheimer's or other dementias to have urinary tract or other infections. Due to their loss of cognitive function, they are unable to articulate or identify the cause of physical discomfort and, therefore, may express it through physical aggression.
- Is the person tired because of inadequate rest or sleep?
- Is the person hungry or thirsty?
- Are medications causing side effects? Side effects are especially likely to occur when individuals are taking multiple medications for several health conditions?
Environmental Factors
Environmental Factors
- Is the person overstimulated by loud noises, an overactive environment or physical clutter? Large crowds or being surrounded by unfamiliar people — even within one's own home — can be over-stimulating for a person with dementia.
- Does the person feel lost?
- Most people function better during a certain time of day; typically mornings are best. Consider the time of day when making appointments or scheduling activities. Choose a time when you know the person is most alert and best able to process new information or surroundings.
Poor Communication
Poor Communication
- Are your instructions simple and easy to understand?
- Are you asking too many questions or making too many statements at once?
- Is the person picking up on your own stress or irritability?
We cannot change the person...
Behavior has a purpose
When you try to control or change the behavior you will most likely be unsuccessful or met with resistance. Its important to remember:
Always consider what need the person might be trying to meet with their behavior. When it is possible try to accommodate the need.
Things to remember
Try to accomodate the behavior not control it
We can change our behavior
We can change the physical environment
don't confront the person or try to discuss the behavior
Things to remember
don't initiate physical contact
Distract and redirect
When responding to aggresive behavior
Responding to Behavior
Get help from others
Don't take it personal
Behavioral symptoms can be caused by......
Responding
Most of the time, agitation and aggression happen for a reason. When they happen, try to find the cause.
The persons physical or emotional health, the environment, complexity of the task, or difficulty communicating.
Anticipating
Anticipate what the person will need based on what you know about their daily routine, family memebers, likes and dislikes, and any significant or traumatic life events.
Consider that behaviors may be triggered by an event or condition. If they see someone putting on a coat or getting their keys, they may think it's time to go. If someone is setting the table. they may think its time to eat. And if clothes are laid out on the bed, they may think its time to get dressed.
Consider
Reassure
Speak calmly. Listen to his or her concerns and frustrations. Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful.
Use a gentle tone
Remain Calm
Take a deep breath and stay as calm as possible. If you’re upset, that can unintentionally continue to escalate the tense emotions in the situation.
Staying calm and breathing slowly helps to reduce everyone’s anger and agitation. Speak slowly and keep your voice soft, reassuring, and positive.
Shift focus to another activity.
Redirect
If the current or previous activity caused agitation or frustration, it could have provoked an aggressive response.
After giving them a minute to vent their feelings, try to shift their attention to a different activity – something they typically enjoy.