Alzheimer's Disease: Changing the Person You Knew

By Jody Smith HERWriter

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Alzheimer's disease changes the person you once knew

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Confusion, memory lapses, and inability to do things that used to be easy, are some of the sad but familiar aspects of Alzheimer's disease. Less familiar are the personality changes that can appear.

The once loving parent who becomes distant or hostile, the mother who used to be calm and kind but now has an explosive temper, the father who now unexpectedly becomes violent, may be experiencing changes to the brain that turns the familiar loved one into a stranger.

They may not know who you are now. They may not like who you are now.

This can happen slowly or quickly. Either way, it's distressing for family members who don't know what's happened to their family. It may not be possible to stop these changes but being aware of possible triggers and avoiding them can make life more bearable for all concerned.

A person with Alzheimers may have trouble sleeping, or may be living with pain. They may be dealing with medication side effects. Urinary tract infections among the Alzheimers community is more common than you might think.

Noise, too much activity around them, too much sensory stimulation, or being rushed, can kick off aggression or hostility in the person with Alzheimers.

Try to avoid too many people talking at once, or giving too many instructions that the individual may have trouble following. Make a point of not asking too many questions at once, or asking questions that they're having trouble answering.

If the person with Alzheimers is saying things you know are not true, if they think things are going on that you know really are not, try to suppress the tendency to challenge their reality.

As far as possible, go with it, or ask questions to get a better idea of where they are at. Their feelings are more important than the facts in these situations.

It can be heartbreaking to have a once-loving parent turn on you or dismiss your existence.

It can help to keep in mind that this is not something they've chosen to do, the effects of the disease on the brain are beyond their control too. And depending on how much awareness remains for them, they may also be finding it confusing and frightening.

Many people with Alzheimer's disease function better during a particular time of day. Try to schedule appointments, visits, and any other activities that can be trying for the hours when they are at their best. This will allow the more difficult part of the day to be reserved as a time that is more relaxing and reassuring.

Being physically restrained can trigger panic and anger in someone with Alzheimers. If possible find other ways to protect them. Speak quietly and in a soothing, affirming manner.

Keep them in a safe environment where they can't easily get out on their own and get lost or hurt. Do you know what kind of music they like? Put on some music to ease the tension and help them to relax.

Caregivers are only human, and the pressures of caring for someone with Alzheimers can be intense. If they are also someone you have personal history with, perhaps your parent or dear friend, it can be very painful.

Keep in mind though, that if the individual is acting out or sounding emotionally upset, it's best to remain calm. If you send back a volley of frustration at them, things can escalate rapidly in directions that can be unpredictable and hard to manage.

Contact the Alzheimer's Association for resources to help you and your loved one with Alzheimer's disease. There may be a chapter in your area. You can contact the Alzheimer's Association through their 24/7 Helpline by calling 1.800.272.3900 or by going to their website at http://www.alz.org/

Sources:

Alzheimer’s Aggression. WebMD.com. Retrieved Jan. 25, 2014.
http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/alzheimers-aggression

Aggression and Anger. Alz.org. Retrieved Jan. 25, 2014.
http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-aggression-anger.asp

Treatments for Behavior. Alz.org. Retrieved Jan. 25, 2014.
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_treatments_for_behavior.asp

Behavioral Symptoms. Alz.org. Retrieved Jan. 25, 2014.
http://www.alz.org/professionals_and_researchers_behavioral_symptoms_pr.asp

Visit Jody's website at http://www.ncubator.ca

Reviewed January 27, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.