How to Manage Agitation and Aggression in Seniors with Dementia

You realize that your loved one is losing more things. They can’t remember her visit with her granddaughters yesterday. says they took their pills this morning, but you find their pill case to be empty. You may be puzzled as to how such a person could grow so enraged so rapidly. your loved ones are They are now frequently scared, confused, and unpredictable. the names of your children, the specifics of your wedding day, and how to play their favorite piano pieces are all things they still recall. Time seems to stand still while you sing together.

Alzheimer’s disease has been identified in your loved one. The hardest times for her are the nights. When they wander through the home, you worry about their safety. You can tell their arm still hurts when you bathe them since they nearly shattered the door last week. When you try to take them to the restroom, they retaliate and scream at you. they have begun to display dementia-related behavioral symptoms.

Aggression and agitation in dementia

As Alzheimer’s progresses, patients can exhibit hostile behavior.

Agitation

It indicates that a person is anxious or restless. He or she appears unable to establish a routine. Pacing and insomnia may result from agitation.

Aggression

In this state, a person may verbally lash out or attempt to hit or injure someone.

Explanation:

Behavioral and psychological symptoms are quite prevalent in dementia and can affect up to 90 percent of those who are afflicted with the condition. Agitation, psychosis, anxiety, sadness, and apathy are other symptoms of dementia that can accompany memory loss. More distress is frequently caused by these behavioral signs than by cognitive changes.

Despite the acknowledged dangers of major side effects, doctors frequently prescribe drugs to manage patients’ actions when they become irritated or aggressive. There are significant hazards associated with falling, heart issues, stroke, and even death when taking the most often recommended classes of anti-agitation medications for dementia.

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Reasons for Agitation and Aggression

Aggression and irritation frequently have a purpose. When they do occur, you should try to determine what caused them. If the causes are addressed, the behavior might stop. The person might, for instance:

• Pain, depression, or stress
• Too little rest or sleep
• Constipation
• Sudden change in a well-known place, routine, or person
• A feeling of loss
• Too much noise or confusion or too many people in the room
• Feeling lonely and not having enough contact with other people
• Interaction of medicines

Watch for any early indications of aggressiveness or anger. If you recognize the symptoms, you can address the root cause before troublesome behaviors emerge. Don’t try to ignore the issue. Inaction can exacerbate the situation.

A physician might be able to assist. He or she can perform a medical examination on the subject to look for any conditions that might be aggravating or agitating. Inquire with the doctor if taking any medication can help you control your agitation or violence.

Important tips to manage seniors with Agitation or Aggression

Here are some ways you can cope with agitation or aggression:

1. Reassure the person. Speak calmly. Listen to his or her concerns and frustrations. Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful.
2. Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible.
3. Try to keep a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time each day.
4. Build quiet times into the day, along with activities.
5. Keep well-loved objects and photographs around the house to help the person feel more secure.
6. Try gentle touching, soothing music, reading, or walks.
7. Reduce noise, clutter, or the number of people in the room.
8. Try to distract the person with a favorite snack, object, or activity.
9. Limit the amount of caffeine the person drinks and eats.

Moreover, here are some things you can do:

1. Slow down and try to relax if you think your worries may be affecting the person with Alzheimer’s.
2. Try to find a way to take a break from caregiving.

Furthermore, New studies demonstrate the superiority of non-drug treatments.

A recent analysis of more than 160 articles revealed that non-drug therapies proved to be more successful than drugs in lowering agitation and hostility in dementia patients. Researchers discovered that three nonpharmacological interventions—multidisciplinary care, massage and touch therapy, and music combined with massage and touch therapy—were more beneficial than the standard treatment.

Outdoor activities outperformed antipsychotic pharmaceuticals in terms of reducing physical violence (a class of drugs often prescribed to manage aggression). Massage and touch therapy was more beneficial for verbal aggression than standard care. Because of this study, the authors advocate prioritizing nonpharmacologic treatments above pharmaceutical ones, a course of action that is also advised by the American Psychiatric Association’s practice guidelines.

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Suitable advice for carers

Caregivers of loved ones with dementia can support them in the following ways to lessen agitation and aggression:

• Locate a multidisciplinary group of experts: A psychiatrist to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of medications for regulating behavior, a geriatrician to maximize your loved one’s medical conditions, and an occupational therapist to take into account alterations to a person’s living environment and daily routine are some examples of the professionals who may be involved in this.

Consider taking a stroll or going on a trip to see new places. 

• Additional advantages of exercise include improved mood, improved memory, and less anxiety.
• Include touch therapy and massage, or just give a soothing hand massage.
• Include music in your loved one’s daily activities.
• Watch for the earliest indications of agitation. The earlier you use non-drug choices, the better.
• Use your imagination; figure out what works and experiment with various senses. Aromatherapy, dancing, hair-brushing, folding (and refolding) laundry, and other activities can all be calming.
• Speak with your doctors. Despite what we know about the effectiveness of non-drug alternatives, medications are frequently administered as first-line interventions.
• Inform everyone helping your loved one of the most effective interventions, and regularly check in to see how well they’re being implemented.

The conclusion

Nondrug methods work better than drugs to reduce dementia-related agitation and violence. Music, touch and massage, and physical activity can all be utilized as strategies to control dementia-related agitation.