Kennard_Behavior
Toward furthering the goal of education for Alzheimer’s patient Caregivers, this Page is structured to offer additional insights for your consideration. These insights come from people who, while not necessarily noted Professionals in the Medicinal field, nevertheless offer important information vis a vis their often Expert ‘hands on’ participation with Alzheimer’s victims.
Christine Kennard brings to the forefront one Expert’s observation of the lessening or recovery from agitation relative to the Medicinal care of an Alzheimer’s Victim.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Information
Christine Kennard – A Guide to Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease
DISCLAIMER: This information is offered purely as a prompt suggesting the reader take whatever appropriate steps he or she deems necessary in order to acquire more complete education pertinent to Alzheimer’s Disease. To the best of my knowledge, any and all statements throughout this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, the AMA or any medical professional other than the author of the piece you might read or watch. Any suggestions made or product identified on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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A Guide to Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease
by Christine Kennard
When people with Alzheimer’s have regular or severe periods of agitation it can put unbearable strain on already stressed family relationships. Agitation is very common in people with dementia. Sixty to 80 percent of people with Alzheimer’s will experience it at some point in their illness. Although agitation can be seen at any stage of the disease, it is most common in the moderate stage and tends to decline as Alzheimer’s moves into the severe stage.
Early treatment and appropriate medical backup is important. It reduces caregiver burden and can help make significant economic savings as it prevents early hospitalization and placement in nursing and care homes.
What is Agitation?
The way in which agitation manifests itself is highly individual. The term is used to describe a variety of inappropriate verbal, vocal, and/or physical behaviors. It includes verbal or physical aggression, assault and/or abuse. Examples include; cursing, yelling, screaming, making insulting remarks, grabbing, kicking, hitting, spitting, biting, and destroying property. Also quite common are uninhibited forms of behavior such as public masturbation, groping or fondling others, public nudity, taking off clothing, swearing and making obscene comments.
Agitation Causes and Triggers.
The way in which agitation manifests itself is highly individual. Agitation can be the result of specific or several factors. Identifying situations or events known to cause arousal can help you make adjustments to arrangements in order to prevent or lessen the severity of agitation and its effects on others.
The major causes of agitation include:
• Alzheimer’s and the associated physical damage that is occurring in the brain.
• Illnesses such as heart, liver and kidney disease, chest and urine infections, breathing difficulties, malignancy.
• Delirium.
• Post operative states.
• Pain and physical discomfort.
• Medications.
• Sleep problems.
• Psychiatric illnesses. Agitation is associated with paranoid psychosis in about 35 to 50 percent of cases.
• Stress. This can include social situations such as visits, appointments and family celebrations. Procedures such as nursing and caregiver procedures like washing, changing clothes, baths and showers or escorting the person to the bathroom.
Treatments for Agitation:
Get professional medical help. They will diagnose and treat any underlying illnesses or conditions. A team approach is often the most effective. The team may include doctors, nurses, psychologists, neuropsychologists, an occupational therapist and, most importantly, you, the caregiver.
Assess behavior to identify any triggers to the agitated behavior. A thorough assessment of behaviors may help. Use the ABC approach-The ABC’s of Managing Challenging Behavior in Alzheimer’s Disease. Behavioral treatment approaches are often the most effective. Behavior plans can be carried out by all caregivers involved with the person will Alzheimer’s. Consistency is often the key to effective behavioral responses and changes.
Medications
Tranquilizing medications and mood stabilizing medications can be used for symptoms such as severe agitation and anxiety, violence, hostility, psychotic delusions, uncooperative, hostile or suspicious/paranoid behavior. The aims of tranquilizer treatment is to reduce or relieve symptoms but not impair consciousness.
When treatment approaches fail to work then the plan needs to be re-assessed and a new treatment plan implemented. Treatment approaches for agitation need to be targeted to the individual. Go back to your health care providers as often as you need help or advice.
Make the Environment Safe.
Remove objects that can be used as weapons for self harm, or to harm others, if that is appropriate. Do not clutter his or her room if pushing is a problem. Make sure you have a clear exit if things get tough. To diffuse the situation or in extreme case, to keep yourself safe it is sometimes best to leave the area. Call 911 if need be.
For links to each of the below points of interest, please go to…
Coping with Uninhibited and Inappropriate Sexual Behavior
Aggression in Alzheimer’s Disease
Behavior Problems in Mid to Late Stage Alzheimer’s
Behavior as an Expression of Unmet Need
Coping with Paranoid Behavior in Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s Communication: Take a Few Breaths
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