Behavior Issues and Alzheimer's Disease

Behavior Issues

Disruptive behavior in a loved one can be confusing and disconcerting. Here are some tips that may help you cope with the most common problems, including combative behavior. Be sure to talk to your doctor if your loved one is experiencing behavior problems.

Apathy

Although most people associate Alzheimer's with memory problems, apathy is the most commonly reported symptom. It is characterized by loss of motivation, being withdrawn, and lack of emotion. If your loved one experiences apathy, try to engage them in an activity. Try to choose an activity that your loved one enjoys. You might even simplify the activity so that your loved one feels comfortable and can participate easily.

Combative Behavior

Some people with Alzheimer's may seem belligerent. If this is true of your loved one, there are some steps that may help. The first step is to make sure your loved one is not angry due to pain or illness. Talk to a doctor to rule out other health conditions. Be sure to let the doctor know of sources of stress in your loved one's life. These might include a move to a new home or sleep problems. When your loved one becomes combative, try to:

Stay calm and avoid arguing.
Reduce noise and other distractions to help your loved one focus.
Reassure your loved one that they are safe.
Offer your loved one a choice of relaxing activities like taking a nap or going for a short walk.
Avoid crowding or "cornering" your loved one.

Sleep Problems

For someone with Alzheimer's, getting to sleep may not be easy. If your doctor approves, add gentle exercise to your loved one's daily routine. It can help with sleep problems. You can also:

Set a calm, quiet tone in the evening to encourage sleep.
Keep the lights dim.
Try playing soft music.
Stick with a bedtime routine.

Wandering

As Alzheimer's progresses, wandering and restlessness are common for some people. To help make sure your loved one is returned home safely, put labels in their clothes with their name and your contact information. You may also consider getting a Medic Alert bracelet. It can be engraved with medical conditions, an ID number, and a 24-hour emergency response center number. If your loved one tends to wander, consider a service such as the Alzheimer's Association's Safe Return program. This program helps find people with Alzheimer's if they get lost.

To help stop wandering:

Ask your doctor if light exercise may help your loved one sleep.
Consider putting locks on all windows and outside doors. But make a plan for fire safety first.
Install a keyed deadbolt or a new lock up high or down low on the door, since your loved one may not look for them there.
Place bells on doors to wake you if your loved one tries to leave.

Hallucinations and Delusions

With Alzheimer's, your loved one may suffer from hallucinations or delusions.

Hallucinations occur when someone sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels something that is not real.
Delusions are false beliefs that the person believes are true.

Here are some tips that may help you deal with, or avoid, hallucinations or delusions:

Some people with Alzheimer's confuse TV and reality. So try to avoid violent or disturbing TV shows.
Try distracting your loved one with a short walk.
If you can, turn your loved one's attention to a favorite activity.
Make sure your loved one is safe. Be sure your loved one cannot hurt themselves or others.