Controlling Unsafe Wandering Behaviors in Alzheimer's Patients
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among seniors 65 and older. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, researchers estimate that approximately 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and project that the number may reach up to 16 million by 2050 if current populations continue and no preventative treatment is found. Alzheimer’s prompts many behavioral changes, but perhaps one of the most dangerous behaviors is wandering. People with Alzheimer’s are more likely to wander than those with vascular...Read the rest of this article »Related Articles
Treating Sundowner’s Syndrome: Top 10 Behavior Management Strategies
Although there are countless theories, researchers understand very little about the causes of Sundowner’s Syndrome, a condition often associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As with any other syndrome, it is the signs and symptoms which occur together that characterize the condition. However, the symptoms are different for each individual, and can encompass behaviors ranging from agitation, confusion and irritability to paranoia and hallucinations. And despite the moniker, many people with Sundowner’s Syndrome suffer symptoms in the early morning...Read the rest of this article »Related Articles
Sundowner’s Syndrome—Causes, Symptoms, Suggestions
“The nights are the hardest.” I’ve heard this phrase from many people I’ve known—family members who’ve lost loved ones, friends recovering from addictions. Somehow in nighttime, with its relative quiet and vivid darkness, it’s nearly impossible to hide from one’s own mind. For people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, nighttime can be so much more than a bit too dark and quiet. In fact, sundown may be a trigger for extreme agitation and confusion...Read the rest of this article »Related Articles
How to Improve the Quality of Life of an Elder with Dementia
People with Alzheimer's or dementia can still lead meaningful, enjoyable lives. If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed, read on to learn about the many steps you can take to improve the quality of life of the person you care about. Things to Pay Attention To Environment Try to decipher whether problematic behaviors are a result of your loved one's environment. Consider the following issues when assessing the environment: Look for patterns of behavior. Something as...Read the rest of this article »Related Articles
How to Deal with Combativeness
It's not uncommon for care recipients to display abusive behavior. Following are a few suggestions for caregivers dealing with combativeness. Gilbert Guide also offers tips on caring for patients with Alzheimer's or dementia. When Does It Happen? Although combative behaviors can seemingly come from nowhere, do not assume it is a simply personality trait. Are the combative outbursts tied to particular activities? Do they occur at specific times, such as late afternoons or evenings? Finding a common denominator may help...Read the rest of this article »Related Articles
