Dementia behaviors in the elderly. It is common for people with dementia to behave in ways that are hard for the caregiver, such as being angry a lot, pacing, or not wanting to connect with friends and family. Many times these behaviors are not intentional, but instead are the result of what is happening in the brain because of dementia. These behaviors cannot always be prevented. But some behaviors can change or stop if the caregiver can learn why they happen and change how they respond.

14 Dementia behaviors in the elderly (Common)

Sometimes these behaviors are caused by things that can be easily fixed. For example, if there is too much noise or activity. These behaviors can also happen if the person feels rushed or hurried to do a task. People with dementia can get frustrated very easily, and it is difficult for them to tell others how they are feeling.

Causes of dementia

Damage or loss of nerve cells and the connections between those cells in the brain are the root causes of dementia. Dementia can manifest itself in a person’s life very differently and produce a wide variety of symptoms depending on which part of the brain is affected by the disease.

Signs of dementia

The causes of dementia affect the signs and symptoms, but here are some of the most common:

• Changes in mind
• People often notice memory loss when they have trouble talking or finding the right words.
• Trouble seeing and moving, like getting lost while driving
• Problems with thinking or solving problems. Problems with tasks that are hard.
• Planning and getting things in order are hard. Coordination and using your muscles are also hard.
• Mix-ups and getting lost

The 3-Step Approach

Sometimes you can prevent behaviors from happening. Other times you can learn how to deal with them when they occur. The 3-step approach tries to figure out why the behaviors are happening so you can respond in a way that helps.

Step 1-Understand the behavior: What was the behavior? What was happening before the behavior happened? What happened right after the behavior?

Step 2-Think of solutions: Can you change the situation? Can you change your response? Did the person need something?

Step 3-Try different responses: Did doing things differently help? What are some other solutions to the problems? Did you reach out for help?

Remember, behaviors can happen for any reason at any time. Learning how to predict and respond to them is important, but taking good care of yourself can also help. When you are feeling good and getting support from others, it will be easier to deal with difficult behaviors when they occur. Find a local support group, seek help from professionals, and talk with your providers about what is happening. Here are some tips for managing difficult behaviors.

How to Handle Difficult Behaviors

If your memory isn’t functioning as it should or if you’re exhibiting signs of dementia, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician.

Doctors will check if you are suffering from dementia with a brain scan. Following the completion of the test, you will have the ability to identify the precise source of your dementia symptoms, which may include tumors, alterations in brain structure, and other conditions.

See more: Some signs of people with Dementia: Assessing Pain