Back toUpdated on October 23, 2024
A person with Alzheimer’s may experience agitation or verbal or physical outbursts, even if they weren't known before the diagnosis.
Transcript
Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disease. Though we don't know the exact cause of Alzheimer's, it's generally due to changes in the brain that
affect neuron connections. When the brain cells can't communicate properly, it changes the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
[MUSIC PLAYING] For many patients, this can look like memory loss, difficulty performing day-to-day tasks,
and learning new information. Another very common symptom of Alzheimer's is agitation. In fact, 76% of Alzheimer's patients
reportedly experience agitation. Over time, many Alzheimer's patients may become more irritable or more easily agitated.
They may become frustrated by changes in their environment or become restless and start pacing. Some may even have physical or verbal outbursts,
even if they weren't known to behave like that prior to diagnosis. You know, it's important to remember that these outbursts and emotions aren't intentional.
The result of the change is happening in their brain. In many cases, there's a reason behind the agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease.
If you're caring for an Alzheimer's patient that experiences agitation, there are a few things you can check for.
Hunger, thirst, and tiredness can all cause agitation as can physical pain or discomfort.
As cognition declines with Alzheimer's, patients may not be able to effectively voice pain, discomfort, or irritation.
And that can be frustrating and confusing. And those emotions can contribute to agitation. There are also steps you can take at home to help prevent
agitation-triggering environments. Establish a routine, and minimize change. When possible, create a calm, quiet environment.
And simplify conversations or instructions to short, concise sentences. This can help patients to not feel confused, overwhelmed, or overstimulated
by sounds or new information. Other things like massage, music, and touch therapies have also been shown to help manage agitation.
We may not yet have an Alzheimer's cure. But there are medications available that can alleviate some of its symptoms.
Together with your health care provider, you can create a plan that works for you and your loved ones.
