Up to 90% of people with dementia behave in ways that confuse or concern their caregivers. For instance, someone suffering from dementia may become agitated or aggressive. Sometimes, they may wander off and become disoriented in their confusion or during a period of sleep deprivation. These distressing dementia behaviors put caregivers to the ultimate challenge.
Continue reading to learn more about these common behaviors associated with dementia in the elderly.
As dementia advances, memory loss and confusion become increasingly prevalent.
Memory loss can result in confusion, which frequently displays as a senior repeatedly asking the same questions, failing to recognize previously known individuals or locations, or becoming confused.
Verbal threats and physical aggressiveness are two of the most dangerous dementia behaviors that might occur. These verbal or violent outbursts may appear to occur spontaneously. They commonly happen in the late stages of dementia, when individuals are unable to convey their demands.
According to one study, more than a third of caregivers reported experiencing abuse from a patient within the preceding three months.
While sleep quality declines with age, those with dementia report more sleep interruptions than other seniors. Indeed, as many as a third of seniors with dementia suffer from sleep difficulties.
60% of patients with dementia will wander. As their memory deteriorates, they may abruptly leave a confusing situation or attempt to locate someone, becoming overwhelmed and lost.
While such wandering can be harmful, even deadly, caregivers frequently feel guilty for putting in place precautions to keep their loved ones safe.
Along with anger, confusion, sleep difficulties, and wandering, dementia symptoms may include hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, depression, apathy, and sexual inappropriateness. Additionally, behavioral dementia symptoms are increasingly prevalent as dementia progresses.
According to research, up to 90% of patients experience one or more of these symptoms during the course of their disease. It is critical to address all symptoms of dementia with your loved one's physician in order to rule out or treat any underlying medical conditions.
If you’re looking for the best memory care facilities for your loved ones, check out this article by SeniorStrong.
