Is There Any Way to Prevent Agitation in Dementia?

In many devastating, heartbreaking ways, they aren’t like the person you remember.

Whether your parent, child or spouse has dementia, the disease takes a heavy emotional toll on not just your loved one, but all those who hold them dear. Agitation in dementia may cause them to act in certain ways that are uncharacteristic or even hurtful, further compounding your stress and anxiety. 

Is there a way to prevent the agitation that often accompanies dementia? Are there simple things you can say or do to enhance the life of the one you love and put them at ease? We’ll explore these and other issues in this article.

Coastal Pointe: Experienced Care That Provides Peace of Mind

At Coastal Pointe, we want you to know that our Memory Care is here to help ease your mind. We understand that it is challenging, maybe even impossible, to offer 24/7 care to family members with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. 

That’s why our specifically trained health care professionals can provide the supervised care your loved one needs to remain safe. Then you can return to your role as spouse, sibling or child. We invite you to take a tour to see why our Memory Care residents thrive in our nurturing environment. 

How Can You Prevent Dementia Agitation?

When your loved one with dementia is living with you, preventing agitation is not only challenging but it’s also a critical part of their care. It’s also important to realize that this agitation may take different forms with different people.

The following are some ways you can prevent agitation in dementia:

• Remove any stressors from the environment: Remember that those with dementia can be highly sensitive to any changes or stimulation in the environment. Help ensure that their environment is as stress-free as possible by offering rest, privacy, or even a beloved object that brings them joy.
• Create a quieter environment: Noise and background distractions, even if you’re just having the TV on for “white noise,” can trigger agitation.
• Limit caffeine: Caffeine can be a stimulant for those with agitation in dementia. 
• Implement soothing rituals: Does your loved one calm down when participating in certain activities? Determine what these activities are and proactively implement them.
• Check their personal comfort: Those with dementia may not be able to effectively communicate that they are hungry, thirsty, or that they need to go to the bathroom. They may be hot or cold, but are unable to tell you that. Be sensitive to what they may be feeling both physically and psychologically. 
• Avoid complex tasks: Complex tasks can place stress on the mind. Your healthcare team can work with you to determine the best way to establish proper routines.
• Participate in exercise: This can be as simple as taking a supervised walk in the neighborhood or spending the afternoon gardening.

It can be difficult to maintain all these preventative measures when caring for someone in your home. Our Memory Care professionals have specialized training in how to provide stimulation that is both safe and as stress-free as possible for those with dementia. 

How Common Is Agitation in Dementia?

There are different types of dementia. Each one has a slightly different percentage rate. However, overall, an estimated 30% of those with dementia experience agitation.

If you break down the different types of dementia, you get the following statistics:

• Around 20% to 50% of those with Alzheimer’s disease experience agitation.
• In dementia with Lewy bodies, 30% experience agitation. Dementia with Lewy bodies means that clumps of proteins can build up, affecting how the brain manages its thought processes.
• Around 40% of those with frontotemporal dementia experience agitation.
• 40% of those with vascular dementia exhibit agitation.

Why Do Those With Dementia Experience Agitation Often?

When someone has dementia, it profoundly changes the way someone thinks. They lose the ability to process new information. It’s also more difficult to react appropriately to various factors or stimuli in the environment.

In short, the very nature of the disease and the physical changes the brain undergoes make those with dementia extremely vulnerable to agitation. 

Are You Experiencing Caregiver Burnout From Caring for Your Loved One With Dementia? Let Us Provide Safety and Relief

Caregiver burnout is real. When you are providing intense, constant care, particularly the type that dementia demands, you can easily sacrifice your own health and well-being without even realizing it. 

We want to provide the peace of mind you need, knowing that your loved one is in a safe environment. Then your time together can be filled with happy visits instead of the frustrating exhaustion that often occurs when you’re caring for someone with dementia long-term. We invite you to take a tour to see how we can help both you and your loved one. We look forward to meeting you.