Agitation and aggression in seniors with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is said to be effecting nearly 5.7 million Americans. It is the most common form of dementia. With the growing number of residents suffering from this problem, it is worth understanding that dementia can affect people’s ability to understand information. So it can cause confusion, stubbornness, irritation, or make somebody argumentative.
Do you know someone dealing with similar symptoms? Has caring for a loved one with dementia become a challenge? You need to be very careful. There are chances that you see will observe new levels of agitation and aggression in them. The worst thing is that it can be difficult to predict when these behaviors arise.
Thankfully, there are some strategies which can be used to respond in an effective and mindful way. To meet the challenge of handling an adult with dementia, here are some strategies to try.
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Healing touch: Believe it or not, a gentle human touch can do magic. It is known for creating a bond between the caregiver and the senior. Basically, it results in a calming effect which boosts trust. There is no harm in giving a soft back rub or gentle hand pat. It may reduce agitation in a senior loved one.
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Stay patient: Remember- agitation and aggression are contagious. Hence, when you are dealing with someone who is agitated and upset, it is quite natural to feel agitated and upset yourself. This is called mirroring. To prevent escalation, caregivers need to use a calm and open approach. Try to smile and use a warm tone whenever you converse.
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Follow a routine: To reduce challenging behaviors, try to incorporate a routine into the senior’s life. It is an incredibly effective methods because when they stick to a routine, it adds comfort to their life and they gain independence.
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Try music therapy: As per the research from the Alzheimer’s Association, music helps the release of dopamine in the brain. Hence, this therapy has helped seniors calm down effectively and reflect on happier times. It triggers the happy feelings in your body. Plus, it boosts memory function and encourages social engagement.
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Explore aromatherapy: You might be aware of the many benefits of aromatherapy, like higher concentration, improved sleep, decreased agitation, and reduced hallucinations. It is be good for their overall mental and physical health. Fragrances such as lavender help reduce difficult behaviors in older adults with dementia.
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De- clutter surroundings: Another thing to do is simplify the environment. Especially, when you notice signs of agitation, you must create a quieter space. Living in a calm environment may help agitated seniors calm down. You need to cut down on the non-essential items in your space.
Extra tip: Keep away bright and distracting patterns, along with moving objects. These can create confusion.
These tips will help you cope with situation when adults with dementia exhibit difficult behaviors. Keep them in mind and be careful!