Difficulty with communicating is one of the main characteristics of dementia. Many people with dementia often repeat questions, use unusual words or phrases, and experience issues understanding and expressing thoughts. Behaviors such as these can be confusing to deal with, especially if you’re frequently caring for someone with dementia. However, they’re not the only common behaviors associated with this health condition.
Currently, there is no cure for dementia. However, it may be effectively managed — especially if you’re familiar with its signs, symptoms, and characteristics. If you’re a caregiver or partner of someone with dementia, take a look at these eight common dementia-related behaviors and tips for managing them to better understand how this health condition can impact your loved one — and how you can help them manage it.
1. Wandering and Getting Lost
Confusion in dementia can often cause a person to wander and get lost, even in familiar places and neighborhoods. To prevent wandering, keep doors locked and hang up “do not enter” signs. Secure the yard with fencing and a locked gate, and install bells or chimes on doors.
In addition, make sure the person wears an ID or medical bracelet so they can be returned home in the event they become lost. Alert neighbors and local law enforcement right away if the person wanders off, and keep an updated photo of them on hand that you can use for identification.
2. Poor Appetite
Chewing and swallowing food can become more difficult as dementia progresses, which can often result in a loss of appetite. Experiment with serving foods that have softer textures, or cut foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces. If the person with dementia isn’t interested in eating certain foods, consider different cuisines and flavors they may enjoy more.
3. Repeated Questions
Many people with dementia ask the same questions over and over, often because they cannot remember the original response. Some coping techniques that can help you manage repetitive questioning include establishing a daily routine, displaying signs that answer repeat questions, and avoiding triggers that cause them to ask the same questions. Research also suggests reassuring the person they are loved and using distracting activities to avoid repeat questioning.
4. Insomnia and Sleep Difficulties
Sleep disturbances affect an estimated 25% of people with dementia, as this condition causes them to experience excessive sleepiness during the day and fragmented sleep at night. You can take steps to help your loved one sleep better, including limiting caffeine and alcohol, keeping them active during afternoons, and increasing their exposure to sunlight. Limit naps to no longer than 30 minutes a day, and make sure they generally wake and go to sleep at the same times every day.
5. Resistance to Bathing
The desire for privacy and for preservation of dignity are common reasons some people with dementia may be resistant to bathing, especially if they need help doing so. Fortunately, there are many ways to help someone feel more comfortable with bathing if they’re unable to do it on their own.
Place towels over their shoulders and/or lap to help them feel less exposed, and distract them by talking about various topics. Other things you can try include playing relaxing music, using a sturdy shower chair, and making sure the temperature of the water isn’t too hot or cold.
6. Loss of Inhibition
The confusion that occurs during the progression of dementia can cause the person you’re caring for to mistake you for their spouse or partner, which can lead to unwanted sexual comments or advances. This loss of inhibition can make caregiving difficult, especially if the person you’re caring for is attracted to people of your gender. An effective way to manage this behavior is to consider hiring a caregiver of another gender, or distracting the person with other activities, such as going for a walk or eating a meal together.
7. Incontinence
The prevalence of urinary incontinence in people with dementia is estimated to be more than 50%. Often, people with dementia have difficulty finding a restroom or are unable to recognize when they need to eliminate.
Identifying the root cause of incontinence can go a long way towards helping you address this symptom. Make sure the person wears clothing that is easy to remove, and take them to the restroom every few hours. If they wear disposable underwear, make sure the brand they’re using fits comfortably and is easy to remove during visits to the restroom.
8. Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia
Dementia can greatly affect a person’s sense of reality and increase their risk of experiencing hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Certain medications may also contribute to these behaviors.
One step to take if someone is experiencing changes in reality is to contact their healthcare provider. A doctor can review their medications and make changes as needed to reduce hallucinations and delusions.
In the meantime, you can help the person by reducing their exposure to violent programs on TV and avoiding arguments about what they are seeing or hearing. You can also distract the person by introducing new activities or moving them to another room.
Medications and occupational therapy are some other effective treatments for dementia. Contact your loved one’s healthcare provider for additional tips or help with managing this chronic condition.
Resource Links
“What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis” via the National Institute on Aging
“Wandering and Alzheimer’s Disease” via the National Institute on Aging
“Repetitive Questioning Exasperates Caregivers” via Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
“Sleep disturbances in dementia: What they are and what to do” via Journal of Gerontological Nursing
“Bathing, Dressing, and Grooming: Alzheimer’s Caregiving Tips” via the National Institute on Aging
“Understanding the Impact of Urinary Incontinence in Persons with Dementia: Development of an Interdisciplinary Service Model” via Advances in Urology
“Alzheimer’s and Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia” via the National Institute on Aging