Article by: Alzheimer Society Oxford

Understanding behaviour

Behaviours associated with complex and challenging mental health, dementia or other neurological conditions include aggression, wandering and agitation. These apparent changes in the personality of the person with the disease are a major source of distress both to the person who is presenting the behaviours and to those who experience them – the caregiver, the family members, and the service providers in all sectors of the health-care system.

Strategies for responding to behaviours

Read more below about understanding the behaviours and how to respond to them. For more information, please contact your local Alzheimer Society.

Behaviour Strategies
Wandering

Walks away from home unattended with the risk of becoming lost

 
  • Look for an immediate cause.
  • Reassure the person and distract him with another activity.
  • Move locks on the outside doors out of reach.
  • Disguise doors with paint or wallpaper.
  • Ensure regular walks and exercise.
  • Put reminders (i.e., coat, hat) out of sight and reach.
  • Inform neighbours.
  • Register with MedicAlert®Safely Home®.
Restlessness

Paces nervously, drums fingers, etc. for long periods of time

 
  • Distract the person — find a meaningful activity.
  • Calm her with music or touch.
  • Consider pacing as a form of exercise (make sure her way is clear).
  • Look for a pattern and arrange your schedule to be with her at that time.
Repeated actions

Repeats words or actions over and over and over again
  • If the behaviour does not bother you, do nothing.
  • Distract him with simple activities (i.e., folding laundry, polishing the furniture, shoes, etc.)
  • Change the subject.
  • Stay calm.
Suspicion

Thinks others are trying to hurt her

Accuses others of stealing possessions
  • Provide comfort.
  • Don’t argue or try to reason with her.
  • Don’t take accusations personally.
  • Distract with another activity.
Sexual behaviour

Removing clothes/exposing herself

Physical and verbal advances towards others
  • Don’t judge or scold.
  • Provide affection.
  • Look for unrelated needs (Does she need to use the toilet? Is she lonely or bored? Is she too hot or cold?)
  • Distract with other activities.
  • Stay calm.
  • Provide privacy.
Aggression

Physical and emotional outbursts (i.e., shouting, hitting)

 
  • Be calm and reassuring.
  • Look for an immediate cause.
  • Give her space to cool down.
  • Distract her.
  • If your safety is threatened, leave.

Alzheimer Society of Oxford