Dementia can have a very big effect on the person affected. They may fear their loss of memory and thinking skills, but they also fear the loss of who they are. They may also find they do not understand what's going on or why they feel they're not in control of what's happening around them or to them. All of this can affect their behaviour. In the middle to later stages of most types of dementia, a person may
start to behave differently. This can be distressing for both the person with dementia and those who care for them. Some common changes in behaviour include: If you're caring for someone who's showing these behaviours, it's important to try to understand why they're behaving like this, which is not always easy. You may find it reassuring to remember that these behaviours may be how someone is communicating their feelings. It may help to look at different ways of communicating with someone with dementia. Sometimes
these behaviours are not a dementia symptom. They can be a result of frustration with not being understood or with their environment, which they no longer find familiar but confusing. Although changes in behaviour can be difficult to deal with, it can help to work out if there are any triggers. For example:
Keeping a diary for 1 to 2 weeks can help identify these triggers. If the change in behaviour comes on suddenly, the cause may be a health problem. The person may be in pain or discomfort from constipation or an infection. Ask a GP for an assessment to rule out or treat any underlying cause. Keeping an active social life, regular exercise, and continuing activities the person enjoys, or finding new ones, can help to reduce behaviours that are out of character. Read more about activities for dementia. Other things that can help include:
Remember also that it's not easy being the person supporting or caring for a person with behaviour changes. If you're finding things difficult, ask for support from a GP. Repeating the same question or activityRepeating the same question or activity may be a result of memory loss where the person cannot remember what they've said or done. It can be frustrating for the carer, but it's important to remember that the person is not being deliberately difficult. Try to:
Restlessness and fidgetingPeople with dementia often develop restless behaviours, such as pacing up and down, wandering out of the home and agitated fidgeting. This phase does not usually last for long. Try to:
Sleep disturbanceDementia can cause problems with the person's body clock, or sleep-wake cycle. A person with dementia may get up repeatedly during the night, unaware that it's night time. This can be particularly hard on carers, as their sleep is disturbed, too. Try to:
Following a partner or carer aroundDementia makes people feel insecure and anxious. They may "shadow" their partner or carer as they need constant reassurance they're not alone and they're safe. They may also ask for people who died many years ago, or ask to go home without realising they're in their own home. Try to:
Loss of self-confidenceDementia can make people feel less confident about going out or doing other activities. This may seem like they've lost interest in people or activities they usually enjoy. Try to:
Get more advice on managing challenging behaviour from the Alzheimer's Society. Aggressive behaviour in dementiaIn the later stages of dementia, some people with dementia will develop what's known as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The symptoms of BPSD can include:
These types of behaviours are very distressing for the carer and for the person with dementia. It's very important to ask your doctor to rule out or treat any underlying causes, such as:
If the person you're caring for behaves in an aggressive way, try to stay calm and avoid confrontation. You may have to leave the room for a while. If none of the coping strategies works, an antipsychotic medicine can be prescribed as a short-term treatment. This should be prescribed by a consultant psychiatrist. If you're looking after someone with dementiaYour needs as a carer are as important as the person you're caring for. To help care for yourself:
Read more about caring for someone with dementia. Find local dementia services and information Page last reviewed: 4
January 2021 What are some common behaviors of dementia?
What are the behavioral symptoms of dementia?
How to deal with dementia behavior problems?Wandering
How to handle challenging behaviours in people with dementia?Try to:
What are the three types of behavioral triggers in dementia?Generally, people with dementia become agitated due to three potential trigger categories: Medical, physiological and/or environmental.
What are behavioral problems in dementia?Behavioural disorders are a common feature in dementia, especially in the later stages of the disease. The most frequent disorders are agitation, aggression, paranoid delusions, hallucinations, sleep disorders, including nocturnal wandering, incontinence and (stereotyped) vocalisations or screaming.
What is the most common behavior associated with dementia?Restlessness and fidgeting
People with dementia often develop restless behaviours, such as pacing up and down, wandering out of the home and agitated fidgeting. This phase does not usually last for long. Try to: make sure the person has plenty to eat and drink.
What are the behavioral and psychotic symptoms of dementia?Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) include a range of neuropsychiatric disturbances such as agitation, aggression, depression, and apathy. BPSD affects up to 97% of community-dwelling patients with dementia and has a significant impact on prognosis, institutionalization, and caregiver well-being.
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