If your mother, father, or a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, you may sometimes wonder, "Why is he so restless? Why doesn't he stay in one place? Why does he just get angry?" The real reason behind this behavior could be what we medically call 'anxiety.' It's a feeling of unease and fear. While we all experience this at times, it's much more common in people with Alzheimer's. So let's talk about it today, how to recognize this condition, and how you can help your loved one.
How do you know if an Alzheimer's patient has anxiety?
With Alzheimer's disease, it can be difficult for them to put their feelings into words. They may not be able to say things like, "I'm scared" or "I feel sad." So, we need to pay close attention to their behavior . Look for things like these in your loved one:
- Avoids social situations: Reluctant to have anyone come to the house or go to a party.
- Irritability: Getting angry and upset over small things.
- Agitation: Moving around, unable to stay in one place.
- Doing the same thing over and over again: walking in the same place, listening to the same thing, or making the same kind of movement.
- Not sleeping well: waking up at night, having trouble falling asleep.
- The muscles in their body feel tight: Even if they don't realize it, they feel like their body is uncomfortable and tight.
The important thing is to understand that these behaviors are not something they do intentionally . It's part of the illness itself.
Why are they restless? Let's find out the reason.
Although there are medications to treat anxiety, they are not always suitable for Alzheimer's patients, especially older people. So the best thing to do is to find out what is causing the anxiety and find a solution to it . Think about what happened before they became anxious. Here are some things to pay attention to.
| Possible reason for suspicion | Questions to ask yourself |
|---|---|
| 1. Physical Discomfort? | |
| Hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain | Are they hungry? Have they had any water? Are they hot? Are they cold? Are they tired? Do they hurt somewhere? Are their clothes uncomfortable? Do they need to go to the toilet? |
| 2. Confusion? | |
| Decreased memory and comprehension | Do you think things are happening that aren't really happening (e.g., are you being falsely accused)? Do you see or hear things that aren't there? Don't understand what you're saying or what's going on around you? Do you forget things in your house or rooms? |
| 3. Is there a problem with activity? (Activity Level) | |
| Having more or less activity | Are they lonely, bored, or overwhelmed by too many things to do? |
| 4. Is it a problem caused by the environment? (Environmental Triggers) | |
| Unfamiliar environment, noise | Is the place unfamiliar? Is it noisy? Are there a lot of people around you that you don't know? Have you been drinking coffee or alcohol? Are your anxious feelings affecting them? |
What can we do to comfort them at home?
Once you figure out what the cause is, you can help in a way that suits it. If one method doesn't work, try something else. Some things work one day and don't work the next. That's okay. Your patience and love are the most important things .
Things you can do in general
- Distract them: Go for a walk with them, give them something to eat, or ask them to do a small chore for you.
- Play a favorite song: Old, favorite songs can calm the mind.
- Reassure about safety: Say lovingly, "Nothing will happen to you, I'm here."
- Loving touch: If they don't like it, hold their hand, cuddle them, or give them a gentle massage.
- Light exercise: Help with things like doing some gardening or going for a walk.
If they have a problem
- If you feel hungry, give them something to eat and drink.
- If you feel cold, give me a blanket.
- If it's hot, turn on a fan or take them to a place with a breeze.
- See if you need to go to the toilet.
If they seem confused
- If you use hearing aids, check that they are working properly and that you are wearing glasses.
- Label the rooms and frequently used items in your home with names.
- If you are asked the same question over and over again, don't get angry and answer calmly each time .
- Use short, simple sentences when speaking. Give them time to respond.
What if the anxiety becomes severe and aggressive?
Sometimes this anxiety can escalate and they can become aggressive. That means they can start hitting, pushing, and screaming. At times like this, everyone's safety needs to be considered.
- Don't leave sharp, heavy, or dangerous items (knives, glassware, heavy weapons) where they can get their hands on them. Keep them locked up.
- If you can't calm them down, step back and let them calm down on their own.
- Think of someone you can call for help (like a trusted neighbor) if needed.
If you are having trouble controlling your anxiety despite all of these efforts, or if their behavior is getting worse, definitely talk to your doctor about this . Medication may be helpful. Only a doctor can make that decision.
Take-Home Message
- Anxiety is common with Alzheimer's disease. It manifests itself in the patient's behavior.
- Try to find out why they are restless. It could be a physical discomfort, confusion, or a problem in their environment.
- Use simple, calming solutions that are appropriate to the cause. Something as small as offering a little food or playing a song can make a big difference.
- It's a great relief to them that you're calm and patient. They feel your anxiety too.
- If behavior becomes difficult to control or becomes aggressive, be sure to seek advice from your doctor before making decisions on your own.
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