Daughter hugging her father sadly

How Can The Caregiver Address Dementia-Related Behaviors?

Dementia affects people in different ways, and the changes it brings are not the same as normal aging. While healthy aging may involve occasional memory lapses or slower thinking, dementia causes more significant changes in brain health and cognitive function. 

These brain changes can lead to behavioral symptoms that may seem confusing or out of character. For caregivers, these behaviors can be difficult to understand and manage. This is known as dementia related behavior. 

This article will outline: 

  • What dementia-related behaviors are
  • How to address these behaviors as a caregiver
  • When it may be time to seek medical support

Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been supporting a loved one for years, these tips can help make daily care more manageable and less overwhelming.

Interested in learning more about dementia caregiving? Check if you have free access to Trualta’s learning library and community of caregivers. 

Dementia affects how the brain works. Over time, it can change a person’s memory, reasoning, and ability to understand their surroundings. These changes often lead to behaviors that seem unusual or difficult to explain. While it can feel personal, these behaviors are a common part of dementia. They’re caused by changes in the brain, not something the caregiver did wrong.

Some of the most common dementia related behaviors include:

  • Repeating questions or stories (also known as perseveration): They may ask the same thing again and again, even after getting an answer. Repetition is very common and can be tiring for people around them.
  • Paranoia or suspicion: They might accuse others of stealing, hiding things, or lying. These beliefs often come from memory loss and disorientation.
  • Agitation or anger: They may get upset more easily, raise their voice, or seem frustrated by things that never used to bother them.
  • Anxiety or fear: Changes in routine, unfamiliar places, or too much stimulation can lead to sudden feelings of worry or panic.
  • Wandering: They may walk without purpose, try to leave the house, or become lost, even in familiar areas.
  • Refusing to bathe, eat, or take medication: These everyday tasks can feel confusing or overwhelming, and they may resist without knowing why.
A younger man sits beside and gently supports an older man who is looking away while sitting on a bed.

Understanding dementia behavior can help you respond with more confidence and compassion. Changes in personality and behavior are often some of the hardest parts of dementia care. While you may not be able to control how your loved one acts, how you respond can make a meaningful difference in how they feel and how the situation unfolds.

Here are 5 key strategies for managing difficult dementia behaviors. Some may work better on certain days than others. Staying open and flexible is important.

1. Trigger Reduction 

Stay Calm & Avoid Arguing

When a behavior becomes difficult, it’s natural to feel frustrated. Staying calm can help prevent the situation from escalating. Avoid correcting or arguing with your loved one, as this usually increases confusion or distress.

Speak slowly and gently. Even if they don’t understand your words, your tone can provide comfort. Try saying:

  • “I am here to help you.”
  • “We can do this together.”
  • “You seem worried. What can I do to help?”

Communicate Clearly

Dementia can make it difficult to understand language or follow conversations. Speaking clearly and simply can help reduce confusion and make interactions less frustrating.

Helpful strategies include:

  • Asking one question at a time
  • Using names instead of pronouns (for example, say “Mom” instead of “she”)
  • Waiting patiently after you speak to give them time to respond
  • Keeping your tone calm, steady, and encouraging

Identify The Cause 

Dementia-related behaviors often have a reason behind them. Many are triggered by something in the environment or reflect an unmet need, such as:

  • Discomfort
  • Boredom
  • Confusion
  • Hunger
  • Pain
  • Fear
  • Frustration

Instead of focusing only on stopping the behavior, try to understand what might be causing it. Ask yourself:

  • Are they hungry, tired, or in pain?
  • Is the environment too loud, cold, or overwhelming? 
  • Has their routine changed recently? 
  • Could they be feeling bored or overstimulated?

Looking for the root cause gives you more options for responding with empathy and support. Keeping a simple behavior log can also help you notice patterns and avoid common triggers. Understanding what is behind the behavior is one of the most helpful tools in dementia care.

2. Routine Establishment 

Following a consistent routine can help reduce dementia-related behaviors. Many people living with cognitive decline feel anxious or unsettled when they’re unsure of what will happen next. Sudden changes in the day can lead to confusion, agitation, or resistance.

A steady daily rhythm gives your loved one something to rely on, making transitions easier and reducing emotional outbursts. Keeping the following at the same time each day:

  • Meals
  • Hygiene tasks
  • Bedtime 

Additional tips include:

  • Using familiar songs or scents to signal certain activities
  • Keeping steps for dressing or bathing simple and predictable
  • Gentle physical activity daily can support a calmer mood and better sleep

When your care recipient knows what to expect, they’re more likely to feel safe and settled.

3. Environment Set Up

Creating a calm space can help prevent or reduce difficult behaviors. People with dementia are often more sensitive to noise, clutter, or unfamiliar surroundings. A busy or overstimulating environment can increase confusion, anxiety, or frustration.

Simple changes in the environment can make a meaningful difference:

  • Turn off background noise like televisions or radios when not needed
  • Keep lighting soft and even, especially in the evening
  • Use signs or photos to label rooms and important objects
  • Keep pathways clear to prevent falls or hesitation
  • Add safety measures, such as door alarms, if wandering is a concern

A peaceful and organized environment can reduce behavioral changes and support your loved one’s sense of comfort.

4. Redirecting

When a behavior becomes upsetting or unsafe, redirecting their attention is often more effective than saying no. Rather than focusing on stopping the behavior directly, gently guide your loved one toward something safe, calming, or familiar.

For example:

  • If they seem agitated, you might offer a snack or suggest going for a walk.
  • If they repeat the same question, try looking through a photo album together. 
  • If they’re restless or trying to leave, invite them to help with a simple task like folding towels to shift their focus.

Distraction is not about ignoring the problem but about meeting the person where they are and offering comfort through something familiar. It’s a simple but powerful tool that can help ease distress and reduce the intensity of dementia-related behaviors in the moment.

5. Support For The Caregiver

Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s easy to become so focused on your loved one that your own needs are pushed aside. You can better respond to difficult moments with patience and clarity when you’re rested and supported.

To support yourself:

Your well-being and mental health matters. A calm and supported caregiver helps create a more peaceful environment, which can make a real difference in how your loved one behaves and feels.

When To Seek Medical Attention

Sometimes a sudden behavior change is a sign that something else is going on. 

Contact a healthcare professional if you notice:

  • New signs of pain, such as moaning, wincing, or guarding certain areas.
  • Increased confusion, fear, or anxiety that appears suddenly.
  • Hallucinations or delusions that seem distressing or persistent.
  • Significant sleep disturbances, such as staying awake all night or sleeping all day.
  • Behaviors that could be unsafe to themselves or you, including aggression.

A check-up can help rule out infections, illness, or medication side effects. Support from a doctor, nurse, or care team can make a meaningful difference and reduce troubling behavior over time.

Conclusion

Caring for someone with dementia often means facing daily changes and unexpected behaviors. The way you respond makes a difference. Reducing triggers, following a routine, adjusting the environment, and gently redirecting can help ease distress and prevent challenging moments. Just as you support your care recipient, it’s important to care for yourself too. Your role matters; your patience, compassion, and presence make a meaningful difference.

Don’t forget to check if you have free access to Trualta for more resources on caring for someone with dementia. 

References

  1. Abraha, I., Rimland, J. M., Trotta, F. M., Dell’Aquila, G., Cruz-Jentoft, A., Petrovic, M., … & Cherubini, A. (2017). Systematic review of nonpharmacological interventions to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 18(6), 493.e1–493.e21. 
  2. Gitlin, L. N., Marx, K., Stanley, I. H., & Hodgson, N. (2015). Translating evidence based dementia caregiving interventions into practice: State of the science and next steps. The Gerontologist, 55(2), 210–226. 
  3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Tips for caregivers and families of people with dementia. National Institute on Aging.

Similar Posts