Men and women with Alzheimer’s disease can undergo significant personality changes in addition to a decline in cognitive abilities. They may become angry and agitated over seemingly minor issues, sometimes sobbing uncontrollably or exhibiting combative behavior. Staff members of a community for assisted living in Melbourne, FL know how to help their memory care residents on good days and bad.
Possible Causes
Physical changes in the brain, as well as emotional reactions to these changes, can lead to Alzheimer’s patients becoming suddenly upset. The cause could be something as simple as an unexpected noise in a common area. It might happen when a person is unable to find a particular sporting event on TV.
Since these men and women often are aware of their failing abilities, they may become agitated when they cannot complete a task that previously was easy. Their frustration can lead to tears or rage.
Calming Strategies
Staff members with a center for assisted living in Melbourne, FL use various strategies to calm distressed residents. Finding that sporting event on a television channel or explaining that it comes on later is a solution to one problem. Explaining what caused the unexpected noise and emphasizing its non-threatening nature is another. Alzheimer’s patients can become fearful when their routine is disrupted. They respond well to reassurance.
These men and women also may feel calmer when provided with projects that fit their ability level. Scrapbooking, simple crochet work, and folding their laundry are just a few examples. Common areas might have easy jigsaw puzzles and board games for the residents.
