Problem Behaviors
Diseases that cause memory loss --- including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke --- have a variety of symptoms that can baffle and overwhelm family members.
As the disease progresses, these events may happen:
- Demanding to leave during an activity or event they had been looking forward to
- Waking up in the middle of the night to get dressed and start the day
- Not recognizing familiar settings, home, or family late in the afternoon
- Accusing family members of stealing items the person has hidden -- or blaming “outsiders” for taking things
- Threatening family members with physical violence
- Refusing to bathe, go to the doctor, or out socially for no apparent reason
These behaviors may seem mean-spirited and purposeful, but they are simply symptoms of the person’s illness. Caregivers can help by making simple changes in their behavior and the environment.
When a Problem Behavior Occurs:
- Recognize the problem is temporary and will pass. Make sure you are safe until it passes.
- Don’t argue with or confront the person. Treat the person as if he/she is frightened or panicked. Tell them you understand and intend to help.
- Give the person something to do. Ask the person to help you do something.
- Get the person to a quiet place where he/she can rest briefly.
- If it is the middle of the night, try to give them a snack and get them to an easy chair. Do not try to convince the person that it is night by showing them it is dark outside.
- If the person does not recognize his/her home, try driving them around the block, or reassure them that this is the place where you will spend the night (implying it is a hotel). Reassure them you will go home tomorrow.
- Try calling one of the person’s children to reassure the person. Sometimes a call to a family member can be reassuring when all else fails.
- If the episode does not resolve within an hour or so, contact your physician or take the person to the nearest urgent care center or emergency room. Do not try to get an agitated confused person into your car. Call paramedics.
Special Problems
Our caregivers guide, "When Memory Fades. . . The Caregiver's Challege Begins'', has a section that gives easy-to-follow advice for special problems such as:
- Bathing
- Wearing the same clothing day after day
- Hiding things
- Fear of abandonment/refusing help
- Made-up stories
- Repeated Questions
- Wandering, pacing, and eloping
- Waking at night
- Violence
For more information
Banner Alzheimer's Institute is offering a free caregiver's guide, "As Memory Fades. . . The Caregiver's Challenge Begins''
