Taking care of a senior parent who has dementia can be very emotional and stressful. Dementia affects every senior differently, so there’s really no way to predict how your parent will change as their illness progresses.
But, it’s unfortunately common for seniors with Alzheimer’s to experience personality changes and strong emotions like anger or sadness that they can’t control. It’s hard on family caregivers to see their parent’s personality change, and to deal with the emotional impact that comes from their changed behavior.
Dementia care at home can help you take care of your parent. Dementia care at home can also make help you avoid caregiver burnout. A care provider that has experience helping seniors who have dementia can give you the regular breaks you need to take care of your own physical and emotional health.
A care provider can also help you understand how to communicate effectively with your parent. And how to deal with any personality or behavioral changes that they experience.
How Dementia Affects Behavior
Dementia causes changes in the brain that can make your parent act in ways that aren’t normal for them. Please understand that if your parent acts differently towards you, it’s not because they don’t love you. It’s because their illness is causing behavioral changes. Some of the common behavioral changes that can affect seniors with dementia are:
Increased confusion and memory loss
One of the most common changes in dementia is confusion. Seniors may forget recent conversations, names, or events. They might ask the same questions many times or forget where they are.
This confusion can lead to frustration or fear. A senior may feel embarrassed when they cannot remember something that once felt easy. As the disease progresses, confusion often becomes more noticeable and affects daily activities.
Mood swings and emotional changes
Seniors with dementia may experience sudden mood changes. They might become angry, sad, anxious, or upset without a clear reason. Someone who was once calm may now seem irritable or easily frustrated.
These emotional changes are not intentional. Dementia affects the parts of the brain that control emotions. Understanding this can help family members respond with patience instead of anger.
Agitation and restlessness
Many seniors with dementia become restless or agitated, especially later in the day. This is sometimes called “sundowning.” They may pace, fidget, or have trouble sitting still.
Agitation can be caused by confusion, discomfort, hunger, or feeling overwhelmed. Changes in routine or unfamiliar environments can make restlessness worse. A calm setting and a predictable daily routine can help reduce agitation.
Changes in personality and behavior
Dementia can cause noticeable personality changes. A senior may become withdrawn, suspicious, or overly dependent on others. Some may lose interest in hobbies they once loved, while others may act in ways that feel out of character.
For example, a polite person may become blunt, or a private person may say things they normally would not. These changes happen because dementia affects judgment and social awareness.
Sleep problems and changes in daily patterns
Sleep changes are common in seniors with dementia. They may sleep more during the day and stay awake at night. Some may wake up confused or try to wander during nighttime hours.
Poor sleep can make confusion and mood problems worse. Caregivers often need to help establish regular routines and create a safe environment to manage sleep changes.
Not Eating Or Not Eating At Normal Times
Because of the way that dementia affects their brain, your parent may have trouble recognizing when they’re hungry. Or when it’s time to eat. So they may get up in the middle of the night and start making a dinner. They also may develop aversions to certain tastes or textures of food.
If you or an aging loved one is considering dementia care in Lexington, OH, please contact the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449.
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio, including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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