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Emotions and Dementia
Agitation is a sense of restlessness and emotional discomfort that everyone experiences from time to time. The important thing is HOW YOU REACT TO THIS AGITATION.
1. Agitation can appear as irritability, aggression, impulsivity, or repetitive actions.
2. Agitation can create an atmosphere of confusion. Your loved one doesn't know where they are and doesn't listen to you.
3. Agitation can lead to the refusal of activity or resistance to moving to another area
Triggers for Agitation
Pain Frustration Anxiety
Grief Sadness Anger
Fatigue Schedule Change Overstimulation
Boredom Hunger Someone trespassing in their personal area
Fear Confusion Coughing
Loose dentures Noise
UPDATE MAY 2023
VALERIAN ROOT SUPPLEMENT
My Dad's doctor recommended Valerian root vitamin 600 mg -800 mg/ day.
It is the first thing that has helped my Dad calm down. He is settled and less stressed.
He still repeats and asks questions but his mood is much calmer and his attitude is softer. I bought liquid from Amazon. I also purchased capsules from Amazon. I wasn't paying close attention o the milligrams and I purchased 2400 mg capsules which are too strong for my dad. I reordered the 800 mg chewable. If you order Valerian root, check with your doctor for daily recommendations.
https://amzn.to/44CDHGd liquid
https://amzn.to/3plvEgP chewables
How to deal with Agitation
Create a chart to document when, where, and why your Loved One became agitated
Try to identify what agitated them
Put yourself in their shoes, how would you feel about specific situations
Do not take anything personally
Do not restrain someone who is agitated
Do not get closer to your agitated Loved One- stay 5 feet away so they can not hit you
PREVENTION IDEAS
Record episodes of agitation to determine when, why, and causes of the agitation
Remove people or objects that agitate your loved one
Simplify daily schedules to decrease confusion within the schedule
Decrease clutter in their living area
Recognizing Agitation in your Loved One with Dementia and in YOU!
Dementia Book Recommendations
The Diagnosis and Management of Agitation 1st Edition book
What can you do to increase YOUR level of patience to deal with a dementia person?
count to ten
don't react immediately
stay calm
smile
remember, you are in control
stay strong
be positive
Pray
Laugh
Can a dementia patient drive a car?
Argumentative Driving Discussion
According to "Dementia Home Care" by Tracy Cram Perkins
What to do when your dementia Loved one wants to drive but you believe is not capable to continue to drive:
Explain that driving conditions are dangerous
Drive them yourself
Ask a friend to sit with your loved one in the back seat and keep them company while you drive
Disable the car- We parked my dad's car in the driveway so he can see it but he can't start it. He has the keys in his pocket
Convince him to allow one of the grandchildren to borrow the car
Tell him he doesn't have car insurance right now
Is Dementia Caregiver Burnout Real?
Caregiver burnout is real
Dementia care for a loved one is exhausting
Get help
Go to doctor's appointment s
Watch your health
Go to the gym
Get exercise
Eat healthy choices
Talk to a friend
Live your life
Send him to a daycare for a break
Use the senior center for help
Go to church functions
Get some sun
Sit outside
Recognizing Agitation in your Loved One with Dementia and in YOU!
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