Is your once loving and kind mother, father, or spouse now suspicious of even the smallest things? Are they constantly angry? Do you feel like they've changed so much that you don't even recognize them? This can be a very painful experience for you. But this could be due to personality changes caused by Alzheimer's disease. So don't worry, let's talk about this in a little more detail .
What are these behavioral changes that come with Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease usually first affects the parts of the brain that control our memory. But over time, it begins to damage the cerebral cortex, which controls things like our behavior, communication, and language. Simply put, it affects the parts of our personality that make up our personality. That's why you might notice these changes in your loved one.
| Personality change | Description |
|---|---|
| Loss of interest | Having no interest or desire for things you used to enjoy. |
| Doubt and anxiety | Constantly suspicious of others, displaying a restless nature. |
| Being aggressive | Getting angry quickly over small things, reaching out or trying to attack. |
| Rude behavior | Speaking or behaving in a way that hurts or offends others. |
| Decreased attention | Behaving as if you are in a separate world, not paying attention to anything. |
| Seeing hallucinations | Seeing or hearing things that are not really there (hallucinations) or believing things that are not real (delusions). |
| Abnormal sexual behavior | Things like suddenly trying to get too close or having romantic feelings for someone else. |
What are the triggers for these behaviors?
Sometimes, certain events or changes in the environment can increase the fear and anxiety of an Alzheimer's patient. We call these 'Triggers'. If we can identify these in advance, it will be easier for us to cope with the situation.
Be aware of things like this:
- Moving to a new place: Moving from a familiar home to a new home or nursing home.
- Hospitalization: A stay in a hospital can be a very scary experience for them.
- Changing routines: Changing caregivers or changing the order of daily activities.
- Asking to take a shower or change clothes: This is a big problem for many people. Because they may feel embarrassed, afraid of water, or cold when asking for help with something so personal.
If you can't immediately figure out the reason for this behavior, keep a brief journal of the incident. Write down the words spoken, the requests made, and the surroundings. It will help you next time.
How do we deal with these kinds of changes with love?
It's hard to bear the thought of your loved one losing their "old ways." But the most important thing is to understand that these changes are due to the disease, not something they do on purpose. With that understanding, you can help them in this way.
### If you just exist without interest (Apathy)
This is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Don't argue with them or force them to do things. Instead, try to make them happy in a way that suits their current situation.
- Let me hear a song.
- Sort and pack small items.
- Go for a short walk together or take a short drive.
### Inattention
Talk in a quiet place, at a quiet time. Sit with your face at their eye level. If necessary, gently remind them of your name and who you are.
### Confusion
Patience is the key here. Things like noise and light can make them anxious. Speak in short, simple sentences. Calm them down with a calm voice and gentle jokes.
### Physical Aggressiveness
They may be acting angry or flailing their arms and legs, which may be the only way to tell you that they are scared, upset, or in some kind of pain.
- Check to see if they have any needs. Maybe they need to go to the bathroom, or they're tired, hungry, or thirsty.
- Go for a walk together.
- Look at old photos. Long-term memories take longer to fade than short-term memories. Talk about good old times with family.
- listen to music.
- Read a passage out loud from a good book.
### If you do/say whatever you feel like (Impulsivity)
When the disease is severe, they may say or do unthinkable and inappropriate things. For example, they may ask personal questions of others, share personal information about themselves, or make inappropriate sexual gestures in public. Stay calm at this time. Don't show your frustration.
- Inform family and friends in advance that things like this can happen.
- Reduce the number of times you go to crowded, noisy places.
- Draw their attention to a piece of food, a photo on their phone, or something tasty they can hold in their hands.
### If you are experiencing emotional distress/sadness
Calmly show them that you understand. Acknowledge their feelings by saying, "You seem sad."
- Reduce the noise around you and dim the lights.
- Give them their favorite food, like ice cream.
- If possible, hold their hand or hug them. That will make them feel very comfortable.
If you can't figure out the cause of this behavior, see your doctor for advice. Sometimes, hallucinations can be a side effect of another illness or medication. So, never argue or blame them. Use gentle touch and make them feel safe.
It's also essential to take care of yourself.
It's normal to feel sad about your loved one. It's not easy. Talk to friends, counselors, or support groups to talk about your feelings. Writing down your thoughts in a journal can also help. And be sure to do these things:
- Make time for your own hobbies and friends.
- Take care of your own health too.
- Relax.
- Exercise and eat healthy.
Take-Home Message
- Always remember that these behavioral and personality changes are caused by Alzheimer's disease, not by their fault or will.
- Identify the triggers that cause their behavior to change and prepare to avoid or deal with them.
- Patience, love, and calmness are very important when dealing with them. Avoid arguments.
- Just as you care for your loved one, it's essential to take care of your own physical and mental health. Take breaks when you need them.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න