What Behaviours Do All People With Dementia Share?

Caring for a loved one living with dementia requires patience, understanding, and support. As the condition progresses, individuals may exhibit certain behaviours that can be difficult for caregivers to manage. While not everyone living with dementia will display the same behaviours, there are some common patterns that many people share.  

At KYN, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality dementia care and support for individuals and their families, focusing on promoting overall well-being and helping to manage any difficult behaviour with compassion and expertise.

Changes in Behaviour

One of the most common symptoms of dementia is changes in behaviour. These behavioural changes can be uncomfortable for both the person living with dementia and their caregivers.

It is important to remember that the person is not intentionally being difficult, and that the behaviour is a symptom of living with dementia. Some common behavioural changes in people living with dementia include:

Sundowning

Sundowning is common in people living with dementia. Sundowning refers to increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness in the late afternoon or evening. The exact cause of sundowning is not known, but it may be related to changes in the person's circadian rhythm, fatigue, or changes in the environment. Some factors that may trigger sundowning include:

• Changes in lighting, such as the sun going down
• Increased noise or activity in the environment
• Fatigue or lack of sleep
• Hunger or thirst
• Pain or discomfort
• Boredom or lack of stimulation

Caregivers can help to manage sundowning by creating a calming environment in the late afternoon and evening, providing activities that the person enjoys, and ensuring that the person is comfortable and well-rested.

Agitation and Restlessness

Agitation is a common behavioural trait in those living with dementia.  It can be difficult for both the person living with dementia and their caregivers, but it is important to remember that the person is not intentionally being difficult, and that the behaviour is a symptom of living with dementia. Some factors that may trigger agitation in people living with dementia include:

• Pain or discomfort
• Overstimulation or understimulation
• Changes in the environment or routine
• Difficulty communicating needs or wants
• Frustration with tasks or activities
• Fear or anxiety

Caregivers can help to manage agitation by creating a calm and structured environment, providing reassurance and support, and finding activities that the person enjoys and finds meaningful.

Delusions and Hallucinations

Delusions and hallucinations are common effects experienced by many people living with dementia. Delusional behaviour involves holding false beliefs, even when presented with evidence to the contrary. Hallucinations on the other hand are sensory experiences that are not real, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there. Bear in mind that the delusions and hallucinations are very real to the person experiencing them, and that arguing or trying to convince them otherwise is unlikely to be helpful. Some common delusions and hallucinations in people living with dementia include:

• Believing that family members or caregivers are imposters
• Believing that they are being followed or watched
• Seeing people or animals that are not there
• Hearing voices or music that is not real
• Believing that their belongings have been stolen or moved

Caregivers can help by providing reassurance and support, redirecting the person's attention to something else, and avoiding arguing or trying to convince the person that their beliefs are not real. Moreover, it may also be helpful to create a calm and familiar environment and to ensure that the person is comfortable and well-rested.

Wandering and Getting Lost

Wandering refers to aimless or purposeless walking, often without a clear destination in mind. These behaviours can be concerning, as the person living with dementia may become lost or injured. It is important for caregivers to take steps to prevent wandering and ensure the person's safety. Some factors that may trigger wandering and getting lost in people living with dementia include:

• Confusion or disorientation
• Restlessness or boredom
• Searching for something or someone
• Attempting to fulfil a former obligation, such as going to work or school
• Changes in the environment or routine

Caregivers can work to prevent wandering and ensure the person's safety by:

• Providing a safe and secure environment
• Ensuring that the person is wearing identification, such as a medical alert bracelet
• Using locks or alarms on doors and windows
• Providing supervision and companionship
• Encouraging physical activity and exercise in a safe and controlled environment

KYN's Dementia Care and Support Services

Dementia is a complex and progressive condition that can cause a range of difficult behaviours. While not everyone living with dementia will experience all of these behaviours, understanding the common dementia behaviours can help caregivers to better support their loved ones and manage difficult situations.

At KYN, we understand the complex and often difficult behaviour that can accompany dementia. Our compassionate staff is specially trained to provide the patience, understanding, and personalised support that individuals living with dementia need to feel safe, valued, and understood.

Our luxurious dementia and nursing care residences across London are carefully designed to create a calming, familiar environment that minimises confusion and promotes feelings of comfort and security. To learn more, call KYN on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk today to arrange a brochure or visit.