Dealing with 3 Common Behavioral Problems in Dementia Patients

Dementia is a collection of symptoms that results from disorders affecting the brain. Almost 50  million patients around the world live with Dementia. The health condition is more prevalent among senior citizens, however, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest a correlation between the onset of symptoms and age. Alzheimer’s disease is the major cause of Dementia, some other contributing factors are: Huntington's disease, Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration, and Parkinson’s disease. Dementia impacts the person’s mental faculty affecting their thinking, behavior, and ability to perform daily tasks. One of the major problems associated with senior Dementia care is the challenge of managing difficult patient behavior that may result from the person’s inability to control their life. It is, therefore, important for experts offering Dementia care in Dallas and other parts of the country to come up with ways to deal with behavioral problems. To help, the post lists some common behavioral issues in Dementia patients and the do’s and don’ts when the patient exhibit these behaviors. Take a look.

1. Aggressive Actions or Speech

Dementia patients often feel helpless, frustrated, or intimidated and may resort to acts of physical aggression such as biting the caregiver’s hand, and hitting or kicking them. Poor communication, unfamiliar surroundings, and physical discomfort can trigger violent behavior in Dementia patients. The worst thing that the caregiver can do is fight fire with fire and get into a verbal duel with the patient as this will only make matters worse. The caregiver must also avoid any attempts to physically restrain the patient, unless they do not have a choice. To calm the patient, the caregiver must identify the reason for the patient’s discomfort and remove the factor. To build trust, the caregiver must talk to the patient in a calm, reassuring tone. If, however, talking does not work, the caregiver must leave the room immediately, as in many cases patients need their space and will calm down when left alone.

2. Impaired Judgement
  
Dementia damages brain cells, which may impair the person’s judgement, often resulting in delusions, and untrue beliefs. It is common for Dementia patients to accuse family members and other people of stealing household articles. They may also struggle with regular tasks such as understanding a restaurant bill. In such situations, it is advisable that you do not question the person’s judgement or react aggressively by trying to argue with them. Instead, offer to help the patient by going through their records. If they claim there is an error in their accounts, ask them in a relaxing tone what according to them is the cause. Talking about the problem will reassure the patient and they may be more willing to accept their mistake.

3. Confusion Regarding Place or Time
  
Patients living in memory care facilities often have confusion with time or place and may want to leave the place as soon as possible. It is also common for patients to lose track of dates, and seasons. Considering the fact that Dementia severely impacts patients’ cognitive functioning, reasoning with the patient and lengthy explanation can make matters worse. Instead provide simple explanations along with visual aids and tangible reminders. To divert the person’s attention, take them for a walk or grab a quick snack with them. If they ask why they cannot leave, give reasons that will make the patient feel safe.

Conclusion

These are some Dementia behavioral problems and their solution. Tackling aggressive, and bizarre behavioral issues in Dementia patients is an expert job. Only a trained professional can identify signs of behavioral issues and suggest ways to address them, which is why it is necessary to seek expert senior Dementia care services.