Dealing with Alzheimer’s Agitation | Alzheimer’s Agitation Tips

When your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease becomes agitated, you can step in and diffuse the situation with a few simple actions.

Because Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease, the symptoms tend to get worse over time.

For example, as the disease worsens, many people with Alzheimer’s become agitated at times. They get upset, and they can’t settle back down. They may also become increasingly unable to effectively communicate with you about the cause of their frustration.

If you provide care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or just spend a fair amount of time with them, you may encounter this kind of agitation. Here are some strategies that might help you soothe their agitation and help them calm down.

It can be tempting to ignore any outbursts, but that can make an already tense situation much worse.

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), most episodes of agitation happen for a reason. Your loved one may be tired. They may be thirsty, constipated, or experiencing some pain. They may be frustrated by recent changes in their environment or their routine, but they can’t articulate their feelings very well, and they don’t feel like anyone understands.

They might also be experiencing some sadness, loneliness, or grief. So, there may be a specific cause for your loved one’s agitation that you can try to identify. Then you can address the problem and diffuse the situation.

Be intentional with your response. A calm, quiet, soothing voice can be incredibly reassuring to a person with Alzheimer’s disease who has become upset and agitated.

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends making positive statements when you speak with your loved one. Don’t try to argue or reason with them. Just be reassuring, using calm and simple statements, like “You’re safe” and “I am here with you.”

Noise is a prime trigger for agitation in people with Alzheimer’s. Glare and background distractions can also be triggers.

For example, background music, a beeping alarm, or even light unexpectedly streaming into their eyes can make them upset. A room full of people, especially if there’s a lot of noise, may confuse them, which might make them agitated.

Ideally, you could try to minimize these triggers before agitation sets in, but sometimes that’s not possible. Just try to address the cause as quickly and calmly as possible. It may also help to move them to a quieter, calmer location if they become upset and confused.

A simple activity, like a short walk outside, can distract them from their agitation. You can also give them a simple choice between two options to help them focus on something pleasant that will help them calm down.

While most experts suggest that you start with non-medication options first, you may reach a point when you feel like they’re not sufficient.

Talk with your loved one’s doctor about the best options. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one atypical antipsychotic medication for the treatment of agitation from dementia due to Alzheimer’s.

It can cause side effects, such as headache, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, and increased appetite, as well as potentially more serious side effects, including itching, swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, shortness of breath, and even seizures.

Be sure to discuss both the benefits and the risks with your loved one’s doctor. Other atypical antipsychotics, antiepileptics, and antidepressants may also be prescribed off-label to address agitation symptoms. \

Work with your loved one’s doctor to find the best way forward.

There’s an old expression that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Keep a close eye out for potential triggers so you can address them before they cause any problems.

For example, make sure your loved one is comfortable. If you have found that soothing rituals can help keep them calm, stick to them as much as possible.

You can’t always prevent everything, especially since agitation is a pretty common occurrence for many people who are living with dementia. So, if you do notice warning signs of agitation, go ahead and take action to keep the agitation from escalating, but give yourself some grace, too.