What are the common symptom of anxiety in people with dementia, which can be challenging to manage?
People with dementia often struggle to understand what is making them anxious and may not be able to articulate their feelings. To help manage anxiety, caregivers should try to identify the reasons behind their loved one’s anxiety and find ways to cope with it.
One common reason for anxiety is that their brains are unable to fully comprehend the world around them, which can be frightening and confusing. For example, when people offer help, it can be frightening for them to understand why they are being offered help. Other common reasons include pain, discomfort, depression, lack of physical or mental stimulation, lack of sleep, invasion of personal space, difficulty communicating, or changes in their environment.
To help manage anxiety, caregivers should break tasks down into smaller steps and avoid asking difficult questions or memory tests. Breaking down tasks into simpler steps can help reduce anxiety and frustration. A recent example of this was when a caregiver experienced anxiety due to her husband not taking his evening medications. Instead, she should break down the task into smaller steps, such as opening the mouth, sticking out the tongue, and saying “ah.”
Pain and discomfort are other common reasons for people with dementia to feel anxious. Look for nonverbal signs that suggest they’re in discomfort or pain, such as temperature, hunger, need to use the bathroom, or a brief need for exercise. Consider identifying the situations that cause anxiety and identify the reason for it.
Reducing anxiety can be achieved by avoiding caffeine, loud, scary, or disturbing TV shows, using essential oils like lavender, and talking to your loved one’s doctor about medications. Recent research on medical cannabis oil has been recommended as a way to help reduce anxiety.
Caregivers should ask themselves questions about the specific behavior that causes anxiety, its location, when, who was around, what happened just before, and who responded to the behavior. Document these things and document the behavior.
Caregivers with loved ones with dementia should take time to understand their needs and communicate their concerns to them. They should also consider incorporating pleasant events into their routine, talking to their loved one’s doctor about medications, and taking time to see the world through their eyes to figure out what could possibly be causing their anxiety.
