Home » Health & Wellness » Alzheimer's Research » Inappropriate Behavior

Inappropriate Behavior

© Karen Largent

Inappropriate behavior in a person with Alzheimer's can be defined as a behavior that is socially inappropriate or bizarre, which is not a direct symptom of dementia or the result of an obvious need. These behaviors may also be called disruptive or agitated.

These types of behaviors may be observed in both the home setting and by staff in a nursing home or institutional setting.

These disruptive behaviors include screaming, constant complaining, verbal agression, physical aggression, pacing, attempting to harm themselves or others and inappropriate language.

Inappropriate behavior is not completely understood by caregivers and observers alike. The main difficulty is in understanding the cause or causes of this type of behavior.

The cause may be physical, emotional or environmental, and may be worsened by the interaction of various disease states, needs going unmet, past life habits and certain retained abilities.

Aggression in the person with AD appears to be related to the severity of cognitive or mental impairment. It is also seen more frequently in men and those persons who have impaired ability to perform activites of daily living (ADL's).

The environment of the aggressive person may also be a factor. It has been observed that during times of intimate care (bathing, toileting, etc.), that agression tends to become a problem.

A noisy environment, the presence of others and a cold atmosphere have also been reported as a cause.

Verbally disruptive behaviors, such as screaming and cursing, are observed more frequently in female AD sufferers. Those suffering sleep disturbance are also more likely to be verbally disruptive.

Environmental causes of verbal disruption include being alone in a room, being physically restrained and the time of day being evening or night time.

How do nursing home staff and home caregivers alike deal with disruptive behavior? Speaking softly to the Alzheimer's patient is one way. Trying not to shout or yell will help them to stay calmer.

Be encouraging by not criticizing or scolding them. Being gentle physically is another way to help quiet disruptive behavior.

Listening to the Alzheimer's sufferer is important. Trying not to argue and agreeing with them whenever possible is also very helpful in diffusing inappropriate behaviors.

It is very difficult to deal with and observe a loved one who becomes physically or verbally agressive. It must be remembered that they themselves may be extremely frightened and distraught at their own behavior.

Caregiving is a difficult task, especially if the care is being given in the home setting. Over the next few weeks I will be discussing caregiving and the role of caregivers in caring for the person with Alzheimer's.

The copyright of the article Inappropriate Behavior in Alzheimer's Research is owned by Karen Largent. Permission to republish Inappropriate Behavior in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.