Treating aggressive behaviors in Alzheimer's and dementia patients is difficult. With all the research done in the past few decades, the cause of these illnesses is still not fully known.
We understand the frail state of seniors suffering from brain disorders. They cannot take care of themselves, because they can no longer think clearly. They are forgetful; they sometimes cry and don't recognize family or friends. But what is also disturbing is that they can show signs of aggressive behaviors and rage.
Let’s discuss the challenges that face caregivers when dealing with aggressive seniors, who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia. In the end, you should learn some new tips, and you should be able to respond to aggressive behaviors much easier.
Understanding Aggressive Behaviors in Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients
Aggressive behavior is a frequent behavioral symptom with Alzheimer's patients. Aggressive behavior is not an integral part of the disease. Therefore, some of the aggressive behavior cannot be prevented, but you must learn how to handle this.
Medical professionals are also confused why seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia develop aggressive behavior. Yet, caregivers need to deal with angry outbursts and other aggressive acts of behavior. When a patient becomes combative, or explodes with aggression, it makes many caregivers want to give up. It's especially depressing when it is a loved one, who is acting in this manner.
It is necessary for caregivers to realize that it is the illness causing the hostility and temper, and should not reflect on the patient. It's tough and it takes a toll on many caregivers. This is also one of the biggest reasons some families choose to place their loved ones in assisted living. The emotional pain is often too much to bear for many families.
Methods to Deal with Aggressive Behaviors
• Search for Pain or Discomfort - Often, aggressive behavior is caused by pain and discomfort. Moving into an unknown environment can also cause them discomfort. Seniors might want to be alone, and this can also cause them discomfort if they cannot express that.
• Don't Make Tasks Too Complicated - Do you remember how you felt in school when a task was over your head? Seniors can feel frustrated if asked to do tasks that are too emotionally or physically difficult, too. You might want to try to make an activity easier to see if that helps reduce aggressive behaviors.
• Check for Depression - According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, a senior diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia could be suffering from depression. In these cases, you could use various medicines to control the behavior.
• Hire Extra Help - If you find that taking care of your elderly loved one is taking a toll on you, then try to find someone else to help you. That could be other family members, or professional caregivers to reduce the load. No one can handle a senior with Alzheimer's alone. It's regardless if the patient is suffering from aggressive behaviors or not. Many of these seniors need 24-hour surveillance to prevent wandering and other forms of safety issues.
• Support Groups - You will find that many support groups can help. There are other caregivers in these groups, who have family members or residents showing the same symptoms as your loved one. Through experience and help from other medical professionals, you should be able to learn how to cope with these issues much easier.
• Noise Control - There are times when excessive noise causes aggressive behaviors, or other environmental changes might be the culprit. Your loved one might be too hot or too cold, and that might be what is agitating them. As some Alzheimer's patients cannot express themselves, it is up to the caregiver to make the correct changes.
Aggressive Behaviors- Conclusion
If you learn what might be causing aggressive behaviors, then half of the battle is over. If you are taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's disease and they are displaying these types of behavior, make sure you discuss it with their doctor immediately. Also, if you find that you are suffering too much emotionally, find a support group or talk to a medical professional immediately.
No comments:
Post a Comment