Dementia Behaviors

We tend to think of temper tantrums as only pertaining to small children or teens, but even the elderly act out at times. Learn what's behind these angry outbursts and how to best handle them without losing your own temper.

Two of the most frightening and troublesome side effects of dementia are hallucinations and delusions. They are very real to the person who is experiencing them but highly frustrating for caregivers to deal with.

It’s impossible to anticipate how a senior may interact with other residents and staff in settings like assisted living facilities and nursing homes, but staff should be prepared to handle difficult interpersonal issues and defuse tensions.

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is an overwhelming experience, both for the senior and their family members. Take these seven steps after the diagnosis has been made to get organized and prioritize healthy living.

Dementia expert Teepa Snow examines three common communication breakdowns between dementia patients and caregivers and offers techniques for minimizing conflict and improving trust and understanding.

One sign of the aging brain is repeating stories and questions more often. While there is no quick fix, a change in attitude and some proven strategies can help you keep your cool and preserve your loved one’s dignity.

Differing opinions exist as to whether people are aware of people and their surroundings during the last stages of Alzheimer's disease. As abilities and communication decline, loved ones are left to wonder if their care efforts are worthwhile.

Caring for aging family members throws many challenges our way. Explore strategies for helping an aging loved one with toileting, bathing, dining out, and navigating public outings as they become part of your regular care routine.

Learn what red flags to look for and advice on what to do if you think your parent has dementia.

It is frightening to watch an aging loved one lose their ability to talk, respond or communicate in any manner, but the powers of touch and hearing can help family caregivers continue to connect with seniors who have aphasia.

Deciding whether to tell someone who is cognitively impaired that their spouse has died is a serious and often recurring struggle. Dementia and death are sad and challenging enough on their own, but when they coincide, the result can be truly heartbreaking.

Hoarding is an extreme “collecting” behavior seen in some people who have Alzheimer's disease and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Fortunately, there are some strategies that caregivers and family members can use to help manage these behaviors.

When dealing with the delusions and paranoia that often accompany Alzheimer's disease, caregivers commonly face accusations of theft. An experienced caregiver offers advice on how to deal with a dementia patient who believes others are stealing.

Sundown syndrome in dementia describes behavioral changes, such as anxiety, confusion, and restlessness, that typically occur as the sun begins to set.

Alzheimer's disease is not natural aging. It is a progressive disease that causes the abnormal death of brain cells. The initial symptoms include memory loss, but as the disease progresses, it is important to be prepared for increasing levels of care.

The only certainty when diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is that a senior’s condition will progressively worsen. The national Alzheimer’s Association has developed a very useful staging system to use as a frame of reference when coping with AD.

Does my mom have dementia? Alzheimer's is a form of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Learn the most common symptoms of Alzheimer's, an overview of stages, and the impact of dementia on the ability to function.

Behavioral disturbances are common in dementia patients, however, dementia can still occur without any behavioral disturbances at all.

Agitation causes anxiety, irritability, fidgeting, and restlessness in dementia patients. Learn to identify causes, manage symptoms, and prevent it.

During middle-stage dementia, people may experience more memory loss and changes in behavior, meaning they need more assistance with activities of daily living.