Agitation(1)

VeeM

From

Previous post I’ve mentioned I’ve been having trouble controlling my moms agitation, she is pretty advanced Alzheimer’s with agitation, restlessness, and aggression. We’ve tried some medications but have yet to find the right combo. I’ve tried things at home linked making  a safe and calm space, removing distracting household items, quiet time, playing soothing music or fun music depending on the mood, some activities etc.  my question is what are other things I could try? What has worked for others? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. 

monateru

Have you noticed any specific triggers? My aunt used to get upset about wanting to leave if I left my purse in plain view.

Marta

Find Teepa Snow videos on YouTube. She addresses many topics of interest to dementia caregivers.

FTDCaregiver

My DW is diagnosed with early onset FTD and Anxiety Disorder.   We're both in our fifties still and were very active, my DW is still very strong and a handful.  In our case, it took some time to find the right combination of medications to help.  Her worst time is mid-afternoon.  In talking with our doctor, we upped her Seroquel to include mid-afternoon dose.  When anxiety comes up, I sometimes use diversion techniques like snacks, dance, music.  If she prefers to rummage through the closet or drawers, or changes her clothes, shoes throughout the day..I simply let her do it, sometimes joining in if she'll let me, it seems to keep her mind busy, and somehow when I join in, affirms to her (at least I believe it does) that what she is doing is normal (in her mind) and doesn't feel threatened when I don't try to stop it. When she's aggressive, I don't correct her, nor confront her.  If she refuses medication I back away.  My DW reacts to how I respond to her so my attitude is very important when interacting with her, even on the smallest of things.  Even last night on the way to bed, she got scared, looked at me with wide eyes and said "is something wrong"? and started backing away as I was escorting her to the bedroom.  Oh boy, seen that look many times and knew what I did next was important...My response (smiling) was saying "your so cute", seemed to work, she smiled back and on we went to brush her teeth.  Even small things like brushing teeth, she doesn't want to be told to do it, she was very independent woman before all this and even now, remains so...so we make it a game, I sing, every night, as we walk to the bathroom the same goofy song.."time to brush our teeth...", its a routine now...I set out the toothbrush with paste and leave her to walk to me by the sink.  In the past I approached her with it, that didn't work..envision a crazy man stalking his wife with a toothbrush in our bedroom and you're right on....so now she comes to me as I sing.  Silly, but it works for us, wife loves music.  

Advice based on our experiences- Consult your doctors on medications, don't be afraid to try new things to alleviate the anxiety even if it seems silly.  Allow yourself to be human as you're going to make mistakes, trust me.  Not all pathways are the same for both caregivers and LOs, find what works best given your situation.  Attitude and patience is so important, LOs que off how you respond to them, so don't confront, correct or reason with the LO on their behavior as these may actually make situations much worse. Finally, establishing routines seemed to help in our experience like the tooth brushing scenario I described.  I have a medication routine now as well in response to my DW refusing medication.  I sing songs, hold the pills out in my fingers, allow for her mouth to come to my fingers with pills, I don't push the pills to her as she hates it...pop them in and have a bottle of water ready, she drinks water and I open my mouth and say "AHH" she mimics me and I check to see if she swallows.  Not always perfect every night, but it works for us and is our routine now.   Finally, what works today, may not work tomorrow so be prepared to adapt as the disease progresses so talk to others to get help not only for your LO but for you as well, stay healthy.  God bless you for being a caregiver.

Jeep1

Thank you for this advice-I will try w/my loving hubby.

mommyandme (m&m)

Not always, but our approach as caregivers can be the saving grace. 

If my brow is furrowed then my mom notices. If I have my hands on my hips, even just cause it’s a comfortable position for me, that can change her mood.  I practice talking to her with my arms at my sides with the palms of my hands facing her.  I talk with a calm, sweet, sugary voice as much as I possibly can. The list of work-arounds goes on and on. 

FTDCaregiver is so wise. Definitely a learning curve for all of this. And, of course, what works today may not work tomorrow.

​fesk

Yes tone, approach and facial expression can have a great impact. Routine as much as possible. I didn't see aromatherapy mentioned. You may want to try a diffuser with some lavender or other soothing scent.