Coping With Alzheimer’s Disease Mood Swings

People with Alzheimer’s Disease may experience mood swings that can range from minor changes in behavior and personality to more severe changes that include agitation and aggression. Coping with these mood disorders is a double-edged sword because it affects both those afflicted with the symptoms as well as their caregivers.
Behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s are common, affecting about 90% of those with the disease. Insofar as Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease for which there is currently no cure, the mood swings typically worsen over time. In addition to memory loss issues, people with Alzheimer’s may also experience increasing levels of psychosis, anxiety, depression, anxiety and other like mental disorders.
If you are a loved one or caregiver of someone struggling with these symptoms, here are some tips and strategies that can help you better cope with and manage the situations that arise:
• Remain patient and calm at all times. Aggressive or agitated behavior can be unsettling for everyone involved, but never respond with frustration or anger. Speak calmly and be aware of your facial expressions and body language to reassure the patient that he or she is safe and that you are there to help. Express authentic empathy by saying such things as “I’m sorry you are upset” and “Don’t worry, I will stay here with you until you are feeling better.” Responding calmly is one of the best ways to deescalate aggressive behavior.
• Pay attention to triggers that cause sudden mood swings. It could be a response to physical issues such as pain, constipation, too little sleep, or a reaction to medication. It could also involve external things such as changes in routines, excessive noise or being around an unfamiliar person or group of people. Try to identify what triggers the behavioral changes and discuss them with patient’s health care providers to explore ways to better understand and manage these situations.
• Redirect the patient’s attention. Try to distract him or her by suggesting a new activity like going for a walk, listening to music, or watching a movie or TV show. Redirecting the patient’s focus from what caused their agitation to something new or different can help deescalate the mood swings.
• Minimize stimulation. Sometimes aggressive behavior or agitation is caused by being in a crowded or unfamiliar place. Changes to the patient’s home such as furniture moved around can trigger a mood swing. Be aware of what stimulations cause a mood swing response and adjust them accordingly whenever possible.
• Maintain established routines. Keep daily living routines consistent, which includes when and how they bathe, eat, dress, and engage in their favorite activities. Keep their home safe and comfortable by reducing household noise and clutter. Keep things the person likes nearby and accessible, such as photo albums and other memorabilia. Stage the home windows and draperies to allow in as much natural light in as possible during the day and have soothing music playing in the background. If something new enters the routine, explain it beforehand such as “The heating man is coming by today to inspect the furnace” or “we will be going your doctor appointment this afternoon.”
• Keep your personal problems to yourself. Everyone has bad days, including the loved ones and caretakers of Alzheimer’s patients. Regardless of whatever personal issues you may be dealing with, do not express your stress or frustrations to the patient. Keep your worries and concerns to yourself so they do not become mood swing triggers in the patient.
• Never argue. People with Alzheimer’s experience a different reality than you do. Rather than challenge them on their perceptions, ask questions instead and sit back and listen to their responses with a sympathetic ear.
• Protect yourself and the patient. Most homes have items in them that can be potentially harmful. For that reason, always keep car keys and any firearms locked up or hidden away. Be aware of where kitchen knives are kept and make them inaccessible as much as possible. If the patient becomes agitated to a point it can be harmful to you or others, stay a safe distance away until their aggression subsides. If aggressive behavior worsens, speak with the doctor about medications that might help. If an actual emergency occurs, call 911 immediately, explaining that the situation involves an Alzheimer’s patient so that the authorities know what to expect and how to respond when they arrive.
Changes in behavior and personality are common symptoms in someone with Alzheimer’s and it can be a cause of distress for those who support them. Caring for someone with dementia can be exhaustingly difficult, so remember to pay attention to your own physical and mental well-being. If you need help, get it. Take care of yourself first and you will be better able to care for others.