Agitation and Anxiety

The following tips are provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.   ©2013 Alzheimer’s Association, reused with permission. A person with Alzheimer’s may feel anxious or agitated. He or she may become restless, causing a need to move around or pace,… Read More

The following tips are provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  ©2013 Alzheimer’s Association, reused with permission. A person with Alzheimer’s may feel anxious or agitated. He or she may become restless, causing a need to move around or pace, or… Read More

The following tips are provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  ©2013 Alzheimer’s Association, reused with permission. Anxiety and agitation may be caused by a number of different medical conditions, medication interactions or by any circumstances that worsen the person’s ability… Read More

Your loved one’s agitation and anxiety can upset the entire family. Anxiety is experiencing worry, uneasiness or nervousness, while agitation is the physical result of that anxiety. You loved one may be restless, fidgety, unable to sleep well, unable to concentrate on tasks and may pace (walk to the point… Read More

Is it possible to get your loved one involved in something that distracts them—a television show, or anything that can hold their attention for a few minutes? Also, as difficult as this may be, if your leaving the room is too upsetting for him or her, you might want to… Read More

If this is just a typical adult day center, perhaps consider if there is an adult day program for people with dementia or one for people without cognitive issues. If it is for people with cognitive issues, they are likely used to this problem of refusing to come to the… Read More

When you move your loved into your home, you might want to consider making his or her bedroom look and feel very similar to their current bedroom. Also, does your loved one have some objects he or she really loves and would be comforted by in your home? In that… Read More

See if you can identify triggers other than time. If you can find a trigger, eliminate it. Amp up activity during the day to encourage fatigue at night. Waken the person relatively early in the day. When agitation begins, offer a soothing snack. If dinner is served late, make sure… Read More

Confusion and anger are common emotions expressed by someone with Alzheimer’s when you try to explain that someone is deceased. Do not argue with them. One suggestion is to simply “go” with the delusion. You may even dial the phone and tell them that the deceased person isn’t home right… Read More

Holidays can be a confusing time for people. One idea to help calm a person with Alzheimer’s during the holidays is to focus on traditions that they may remember from their past. Another idea is to really consider what activities the person is involved in. Large groups might be too… Read More