Agitation
Description of Behavior
Agitation is a broad term that refers to a variety of verbal, vocal or physical behaviors that appear distressing to the person with dementia or are considered inappropriate or unusual or are disruptive to others.
Common behaviors observed in a person experiencing agitation are restlessness, complaining, repetitive statements or repetitive movements and constant requests for attention.
Why behavior might occur
Most people with dementia will experience agitation at some time during their illness. Agitation can occur due to a person having an unmet need that they cannot communicate to others. Some things that may cause agitation include the person having pain or a medical illness, being uncomfortable, being hungry/thirsty or being tired.
Agitation can also occur in response to factors in the environment such as a change in routines, changes in care providers or location, the person with dementia being rushed or feeling uncomfortable, or having too much or too little stimulation.
How to approach the person who is agitated
- Provide step-by-step guidance in a calm and positive tone if the person seems to be frustrated with a change or task.
- Continue to offer reassurance in a calm tone and ensure the person that everything will be okay in a supportive manner.
Specific things to try to reduce agitation
- Whenever a person exhibits new agitation, conduct a comprehensive pain assessment.
- Try to engage the person in an activity. Simple activities such as folding laundry or looking through pictures or having a small meal may be helpful in calming the person.
- Try playing calm music or music suited to the individuals’ preferences if possible.
- If the person who is agitated typically enjoys small groups and became agitated when alone, consider integrating them into a small group activity or exercise.
- Also consider reducing the level of stimulation.
- Activities that provide the person with additional 1:1 attention such as a brief 5-minute hand massage may be helpful in calming the person.
