As the disease progresses, you loved one will exhibit behavioral issues. It will be important to focus on why the behavior is happening, and not on the actual behavior. We know this can be hard to do. However, as you learn what triggers these behaviors, it is easier to distract your loved one and possibly prevent or lessen the amount of time the behavior is displayed.
As difficult as these times can be, please remember that your loved one is not being difficult on purpose. Things are happening in their brain and they do not have control over what they are doing or saying. It is hard to not take things personally, but you have to keep telling yourself that it is the disease talking.
Lessons from Gayle: Gayle would have episodes where she would recognize Laura’s physical appearance, but would think she was someone else…someone that was there to hurt her. Sometimes these episodes would last several minutes, other times they would last hours, but Gayle would always come back to knowing who Laura was. After a particularly bad episode one day, Laura has gone into another room. Gayle came in and was crying. They hugged and Gayle said she was sorry. Laura told her that it was not her fault. Gayle then made the statement, “I don’t know what happens when I go to that place.” What an amazing statement.
- Read “What is Causing the Behavior” (Click here to download the PDF)
- Read “Common Behaviors” (Click here to download the PDF) – This document discuses characteristics, possible triggers, and tips for deescalating the following behaviors: agitation, combativeness, hallucinations, hoarding items, shadowing, sundowning & sleep issues, suspicions, and wandering.
Additional Family Member – Caregiver Resources:
Discussions Regarding End of Life