If your loved one isn't ready to move out of their home yet, you can still benefit from our experience helping residents with dementia live their best lives. Here's what you need to know about anxiety in seniors with Alzheimer's disease.
Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. In the early stages of the disease, people with memory disorders tend to worry about what the future holds. They may worry about losing their independence or wonder if they'll have to leave their home. Persistent worry may lead to anxiety.
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, it can lead to increased agitation and confusion. Seniors who are confused about their environment are more likely to experience anxiety. For example, if a senior with Alzheimer's doesn't recognize a loved one, they may think a stranger has gotten into their home.
If your loved one experiences anxiety, they may display these symptoms:
For someone without Alzheimer's disease, it's fairly easy to adjust to unexpected change. For example, you probably wouldn't mind too much if a friend asked you to move your lunch date ahead by an hour. The new time might not fit into your schedule, but you wouldn't be upset about the suggested change.
In contrast, people with Alzheimer's disease need routines to feel secure. Having a routine makes it easier to plan your day and know what to expect, so sudden changes may be very upsetting to an older adult with a memory condition. As a result, the following changes may result in increased anxiety:
Alzheimer's disease also affects the way an older adult perceives the world. Some people with memory conditions start to perceive normal behavior as threatening, causing them to feel even more anxious.
You may not be able to eliminate anxiety completely, but you can take steps to reduce it. Follow these tips to improve your loved one's quality of life.
Stress makes anxiety even worse, so do your best to keep your loved one calm. If they tend to get upset by what they see on the news, turn off the TV and look for other ways to keep your loved one engaged.
Some seniors get upset when there's too much noise, so try to limit the number of people around at any given time. If your loved one receives home health services, you may need to create a staggered schedule so that two or three health care professionals don't show up at the same time.
Noise isn't the only environmental factor that can trigger anxiety. For example, some seniors get distressed if sunlight glares off the windows or television screens. If your loved one has a negative response to certain environmental factors, do your best to mitigate them. Window shades, vertical blinds and other products can help you control the amount of light in each room.
As noted previously, it's important for seniors with Alzheimer's disease to maintain regular routines. Agitation and confusion tend to get worse at the end of the day, so schedule appointments as early in the morning as possible. Start the day with a predictable set of activities, such as eating breakfast, getting dressed and performing personal hygiene tasks.
It's also helpful to eat lunch and dinner at the same time each day and go to bed at the same time each night. This predictable schedule helps seniors with Alzheimer's disease know exactly what to expect, and it can also make it easier for family caregivers to manage their responsibilities.
Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals capable of boosting your mood and relieving pain. As a result, getting regular physical activity is one of the best ways to manage the anxiety and depression that often accompany dementia. If your loved one is able to walk without assistance, have them accompany you on a morning walk. Even small amounts of walking have benefits, so don't feel like you have to go around the block several times.
If your loved one has mobility issues, ask their health care team how to modify exercise to make it safer. For example, you may be able to guide them through a series of chair exercises or have them use a sturdy piece of furniture to help with balance.
