Alzheimers Flashcards
True / False- Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to act in different and unpredictable ways
True
True / False- Some individuals with alzheimer’s become anxious or aggressive. Others repeat certain questions or gestures. Many misinterpret what they hear.
True
What could occur when alzheimer’s patients become anxious and aggressive:
Misunderstanding, frustration and tension, particularly between the person with dementia and the caregiver.
What is the three-step approach?
A strategy that can help to identify common dementia-related behaviors and their causes.
- Examine the behavior
- Explore potential solutions
- Try different responses
Questions to consider when examining the behavior of Alzheimer’s patients
- What was the behavior?
- Was it harmful?
- Did something trigger it?
- What happened immediately after?
- Could something be causing the person’s pain?
- Could this be related to medications or illness?
- Consult a physician to be sure.
Questions to consider when exploring potential solutions to address the behaviors of Alzheimer’s patients
- Are the person’s needs being met?
- Can adapting the surroundings comfort the person?
- How can you change your reaction or approach?
What are some things to consider when trying different responses with Alzheimer’s patients
- Did your new response help?
- Do you need to explore other potential causes and solutions?
- If so, what can you do differently?
What are some reasons for Negative Alzheimer’s behavior?
- Physical pain or discomfort — Illnesses, medication, hunger or thirst.
- Overstimulation — Loud noises or a busy environment.
- Unfamiliar surroundings — New places or the inability to recognize home.
- Complicated tasks — Difficulty with activities or chores.
- Frustrating interactions — Inability to communicate effectively may cause fear, sadness or anxiety.
What is Aggression, and what can we do to help with aggression in alzheimer’s patients?
Aggressive behavior may be verbal (shouting, name calling) or physical (hitting, pushing).
It’s important to try to understand what is causing the anger, as it can occur suddenly with no apparent reason or can result from a frustrating situation.
Ways to respond to aggression
- Rule out pain as the cause of the behavior- pain can cause a person with dementia to act aggressively.
- Try to identify the immediate cause- think about what happened right before, which may have triggered the behavior.
- Focus on feelings, not facts- look for the feelings behind the words or actions.
- Try not to get upset- be positive and reassuring. Speak slowly in a soft tone.
- Limit distractions- examine the person’s surroundings and adapt them to avoid other similar situations.
- Try a relaxing activity- use music, massage or exercise to help soothe the person.
- Shift the focus to another activity- If a situation or activity causes an aggressive response, try something different.
- Speak calmly- using a calm tone, try to reassure the person.
- Take a break- If the person is in a safe environment and you are able, walk away and take a moment for yourself.
- Ensure safety- make sure you and the person are safe. If the person is unable to calm down, seek assistance from others. Always call 911 in emergency situations.
True / False- People with dementia can become anxious or agitated for no reason at all.
False- a varitey of reasons could cause anxiety. It can help to learn what triggers this response by looking at the person’s surroundings, the time of day, what has just occurred, and evaluating potential sources of pain, hunger, need for sleep and sudden changes.
How to respond when Alzheimer’s patient become anxious & aggitated?
- Check for pain- pain can often trigger anxiety or agitation. Sources include being in an uncomfortable situation, injury, reaction to medication or a urinary tract infection.
- Listen to the frustration- find out what may be causing the anxiety.
- Provide reassurance- use calming phrases. Let the individual know you are there.
- Involve the person in activities- engage the person in art, music or other activities to distract him or her from anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Modify the environment- decrease noise and distractions or relocate the person.
- Find outlets for energy- the person may be looking for something to do. Take a walk or go for a car ride.
Why do Alzheimer’s patients become Confused?
A person with Alzheimer’s may not recognize familiar people, places or things. He or she may forget relationships, call family members by other names or become confused about where home is. The purpose of common items, such as a pen or fork may also be forgotten. These situations can be difficult for caregivers.
How to respond to a confused Alzheimer’s patient
- Stay calm- not being recognized can be painful, but try not to make your hurt apparent.
- Respond with a brief explanation- don’t overwhelm the person with lengthy responses. Instead, clarify with a simple explanation.
- Show photos and other reminders- use photographs and other thought-provoking items to remind the person of important relationships and places.
- Offer corrections as suggestions- avoid explanations that sound like scolding. Try “I thought it was a fork,” or “I think he is your grandson Peter.”
- Try not to take it personally- alzheimer’s disease causes forgetfulness, but your support and understanding will continue to be appreciated.
What is the concept of Repetition in alzheimer’s patients?
A person with Alzheimer’s may do or say something over and over again — like repeating a word, question or activity. The person may also pace or undo what has just been done. In most cases, he or she is likely looking for comfort, security and familiarity. These actions are rarely harmful, but can be stressful for the caregiver.
