Agitation That May Happen with Dementia Due to Alzheimer’s Disease

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In the United States, approximately 6.7 million people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia, and nearly half or more of those individuals experience something called agitation. Watching a loved one endure a battle with a condition such as agitation that may happen with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease can be very difficult for everyone involved. However, it is important to understand that while this diagnosis can be overwhelming, there are resources available for those who are taking on the role of a caregiver.  

The symptoms of agitation that may happen with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, of which the behaviors and characteristics vary widely and can manifest as verbal aggression, physical aggression and/or restlessness, can cause emotional distress for both the person living with this disease and their caregivers. Due to the nature of the condition, caregivers may mistake the symptoms as those of Alzheimer's disease and think that nothing can be done to help manage them. These behaviors may include yelling, repetitive sentences and questions or wandering. Caregivers also may be reluctant to bring these symptoms to their loved one's doctor. However, it is important for caregivers to recognize changes in behavior and continue to monitor symptoms — flagging concerns and being open with their loved one's healthcare team.

Caring for a loved one can be an important step to take when navigating a person's treatment plan, but it may exacerbate caregivers' existing stress levels. This in turn could then impact their personal emotional, financial and physical well-being — which can further amplify the challenges that caregivers may face when trying to care for their loved one. Caregivers should know that they are not alone and find relief in knowing that they have support and resources available to them.

While it may feel overwhelming to care for someone with agitation that may happen with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, there is still hope, as there are a variety of ways to help manage the symptoms. These include but aren't limited to several non-pharmacological approaches: identifying triggers, loud noises, unfamiliar people or unpleasant physical sensations. Creating a simple daily routine; maintaining a calm environment; and including sources of comfort in the individual's environment can also help. Caregivers should also maintain a list of specific symptoms and detailed notes to share with their loved one's doctor to report changes in behavior so that the best management plan can be implemented. It is particularly important for caregivers to establish an open, ongoing dialogue with their loved one's healthcare team to formulate a path forward that is right for them. Even if behaviors don't seem significant, there are treatment plans that may help alleviate the symptoms in those with this condition. If non-pharmacological approaches do not provide relief from the symptoms, there are other treatment options available that may help alleviate the symptoms of agitation that may happen with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.

Helping a person living with this condition manage their symptoms can lead to high rates of caregiver stress. It is important that caregivers have access to educational resources that may help them feel empowered to continue conversations with a healthcare professional to seek the best treatment plan for the individual they care for.

For more information and a questionnaire to see if your loved one may be experiencing agitation that may happen with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, visit www.ManagingAgitationInAlz.com.

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Lundbeck LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of H. Lundbeck A/S (HLUNa / HLUNb, HLUNA DC / HLUNB DC), a global pharmaceutical company specialized in brain diseases. For more than 70 years, we have been at the forefront of neuroscience research. We are tirelessly dedicated to restoring brain health, so every person can be their best. Our research programs tackle some of the most complex challenges in neuroscience, and our pipeline is focused on bringing forward transformative treatments for brain diseases for which there are few, if any therapeutic options. With a special commitment to the lives of patients, families and caregivers, Lundbeck US actively engages in a broad range of initiatives each year that support patient communities. For additional information, we encourage you to visit us at lundbeck.com/us and connect with us on LinkedIn and X at @LundbeckUS. 

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By Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Lundbeck