What Are Dementia Behaviors?

Dementia behaviors are changes in personality, habits or emotions because of cognitive and functional decline. People with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia experience varying symptoms and behaviors, which differ throughout the stages of disease progression. Specialized memory care communities provide practical, emotional and cognitive support for affected seniors.

As memory declines, many seniors with dementia experience confusion and forgetfulness. In addition to impacting their ability to complete everyday tasks, this can be distressing for them and their loved ones. Key challenges include:

• Wandering: Around 6 in 10 people with dementia wander at least once, with some repeatedly experiencing confusion about where they want to go.
• Communication difficulties: Confusion may hinder communication abilities, leading to frustration for both the individual and their family.

Confusion and memory loss often trigger challenging emotions. Common emotional responses include:

• Fear, agitation and aggression: These feelings may arise as individuals struggle to understand their surroundings.
• Anxiety: Research suggests that up to 75% of people with dementia also have anxiety, which may lead to repetitive actions.
• Sadness and anger: Some individuals feel sadness, anger or hopelessness due to awareness of their condition.
• Emotional regulation issues: Dementia sometimes affects individuals’ ability to regulate their emotions effectively, leading to outbursts and out-of-character behavior.

Around 20% of seniors with dementia experience sundowning, a set of behaviors that typically occurs in the evening. Common reactions around sunset include restlessness, pacing, tearfulness, clinginess, yelling, rocking and aggression. For some, sundowning affects sleep patterns, causes paranoia or induces hallucinations.

Some individuals living with dementia become socially withdrawn, avoiding company and activities they once found enjoyable. On the other hand, other people with dementia become less inhibited and act in ways contrary to social norms. Examples include pestering strangers, making offensive comments, stealing, removing their clothes in public and acting on hypersexual urges.

Memory care communities operate programs that address dementia symptoms and behaviors, offering comfort to individuals and their families. Common features and services include:

• Anti-wandering features: Enclosed grounds and locked doorways to ensure resident safety.
• Sundowning management: Some communities use special lighting to minimize the effects of sundowning.
• Memory aids: Memory boxes and visual clues help prompt recall and reduce confusion.
• Enrichment and wellness activities: Structured programs promote beneficial socialization, support cognitive function, and preserve skills.

Staff receives training in effective communication and managing challenging behaviors, promoting safety and comfort for all residents. Key areas of support include:

• One-on-one care: Caregivers spend more time with individuals displaying agitation, offering comfort and preventing harm to themselves or others.
• Daily support: Aides provide practical assistance with activities of daily living, continence care and medication management.