Managing Challenging Behaviors in Alzheimer’s Patients

Alzheimer’s patients may exhibit a range of challenging behaviors, including aggression, wandering, agitation, repetition, and sundowning (increased confusion and restlessness in the late afternoon and evening).

Triggers for challenging behaviors may include changes in routine or environment, physical discomfort or pain, medication side effects, hunger or thirst, fatigue, or boredom.

Caregivers can try a variety of strategies, such as redirecting the patient’s attention, providing a calm and reassuring environment, using nonverbal communication, offering a favorite food or activity, or seeking professional help if necessary. It is important to remain patient, understanding, and empathetic in dealing with challenging behaviors.

There are some medications that may be prescribed to help manage challenging behaviors in Alzheimer’s patients, such as antipsychotics or antidepressants. However, these medications should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can have potentially serious side effects.