If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you may have noticed their behaviour changing as the condition progresses. Although not always negative, these changes can be difficult for family members and carers to manage.
In this guide, the team at Friary Care outlines the behavioural changes that can occur, the triggers that may cause them and practical management strategies.
What Behavioural Changes Can Occur in Dementia?
Dementia-related behavioural changes tend to become more noticeable during the middle to later stages of the condition. Some of the most common include:
- Repetition such as repeating questions and stories
- Restlessness and difficulties settling
- Sleeplessness, nighttime waking or sleep disturbances
- Loss of self-confidence, particularly around socialising
- Following a family member or spouse around (“shadowing”)
- Aggression or agitation often linked to fear or frustration
- Wandering without a clear purpose
- Hoarding, hiding or misplacing items
- Suspicion or paranoia towards family members or carers
- Socially inappropriate comments or behaviour
- Resistance to personal care and hygiene
- Changes in eating habits
How Do You Recognise Behavioural Triggers?
The first step in managing behavioural changes is identifying triggers. This can sometimes be difficult when changes are subtle.
We recommend keeping a diary to see whether any common behavioural patterns emerge. This is a great way of identifying and tracking new behaviours over time.
- Environment – the environment plays an important role in the wellbeing of people living with dementia and they may be triggered by excessive noise or clutter within the home. Outside the home, crowded and unfamiliar settings may cause confusion and distress
- Changes in routine – people living with dementia thrive on routine, so simple changes to their day to day routine can be unsettling. Sometimes something as simple as a new food or different carer can lead to agitation or other behavioural changes
- Emotions – changes in behaviour may be the result of strong emotional response to stress, fear or remembering an unpleasant memory
- Communication difficulties – struggling to express basic needs or emotions often come out as agitation or distress instead, since the person may no longer be able to say what’s wrong
- Fatigue – tiredness can lower tolerance and bring on repetition, restlessness or agitation, particularly later in the day
It’s also important to remember that sudden behavioural changes may be due to an underlying physical health problem, such as a urinary tract infection, constipation, hunger or thirst. Behavioural changes may also be a side effect of new medication.
If you have concerns, it’s best to consult a GP, who will be able to carry out a thorough assessment and provide treatment if necessary.
Practical Strategies for Managing Behavioural Changes
While every person with dementia is different, the following strategies are commonly recommended to help manage behavioural changes and support wellbeing.
- Exercise – regular gentle exercise can have a calming effect and lessen the effects of stress, which can help reduce challenging behaviours. It can also improve sleep and reduce disturbances
- Environmental changes – the environment plays an important role in the wellbeing of people living with dementia, so we recommend assessing their living situation on a regular basis. Ensure the home environment is clean, tidy and free of anything that could cause harm, such as loose rugs, trailing cables or cluttered walkways
- Consistent routine – keeping meal times, waking and activities at regular times helps reduce the disruption that can trigger distress. It can also help to keep carers familiar, wherever possible
- Activities – if your loved one is unable to engage in gentle physical exercise, mentally stimulating activities are an excellent alternative. They can help redirect attention from external stressors, keep hands busy and build confidence
- Reminiscence – photos, familiar objects or music from earlier in their life can be soothing and help with engagement, particularly for someone who has become withdrawn
- Alternative therapies – alternative therapies are a great option and are often recommended by professionals. Art therapy, music therapy and therapy dogs can all help regulate behaviour. Ask your GP or local care provider about therapies available in your area
- Diet and lifestyle changes – cutting down on caffeine and alcohol can often be beneficial. Ensure your loved one has plenty to eat and drink and try to maintain a routine as much as possible
- Redirect and distract – rather than correcting or arguing, gently shift focus onto another activity. This can ease anxiety in the moment without confrontation and is often more effective than trying to reason someone out of a distressing thought or feeling
- Gentle communication – caring for a love one with dementia can be challenging for families, but it’s important to stay calm and communicate clearly so as not to exacerbate behaviours further. Be tactful in your responses, focus on feelings not facts and help your loved one reach the answer themselves wherever possible
Behavioural changes can be one of the harder parts of a dementia journey to navigate, but with the right understanding, routine and support, they can be managed.
Dementia Care in Weymouth
At Friary Care in Weymouth, we provide a safe and supportive environment for people living with dementia. Our highly professional and experienced team develop bespoke care plans to manage each resident’s unique behaviour with dignity and respect.
If you’d like to talk through care options for a loved one, please contact us for a no obligation chat. We’re here to help, whether you’re planning ahead or need support right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes behavioural changes in dementia?
Behavioural changes in dementia are sometimes triggered by changes in environment or routine. Behaviour can also be exacerbated by emotional distress and underlying physical issues such as infection, constipation, hunger, thirst or medications side effects.
How can I calm someone with dementia who is agitated?
Gentle exercise, mentally stimulating activities, a calm and clutter-free environment and tactful communication that focuses on feelings rather than facts can all help reduce agitation.
When should I see a GP about dementia behavioural changes?
See a GP if behavioural changes are sudden or severe, as they could indicate an underlying health problem such as urinary tract infection, constipation or a reaction to new medication.
Posted on
