Working with Personality & Behavior Alterations

As dementia alters the cells in the brain, behavior and personality changes are typical symptoms. This can make the advancing stages of Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia more difficult for caregivers. To address this, the National Institute on Aging published lists of common changes, reasons why they may be happening (besides neuron death), and ways to work with those alterations in personality and behavior. A few of these tips are paying attention to emotions and feelings, finding enjoyable music, keeping a routine, and making things as simple as possible. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service also provides guidelines for caregivers in dealing with changing behaviors. Some of these are journaling daily to pinpoint potential causes of behavior changes, simplifying the environment, and being patient.

Check out these two pages, Managing Personality and Behavior Changes in Alzheimer's and Coping with dementia behaviour changes.