Behaviors in individuals with dementia are secondary to their inability to communicate their needs based on the illness that is affecting their brain. They are not able to interpret the world around them nor the stimuli they receive from the world. Their brain connections are short-circuited, and the stimuli no longer make sense.
The confused individual cannot recognize simple things such as a headache or constipation. They may become aggressive or withdraw because of the pain or discomfort. Often, we see hyperactivity. The job of the caregiver is to attempt to identify the cause of the acute change in behavior. Ways to do this include looking for nonverbal clues to the symptoms.
With constipation, the person may reach for their rectal area, go to the bathroom frequently, be incontinent of urine due to attempting to push out the stool, rub their abdomen or refuse to eat or drink. With pain, they may show facial grimacing. They may close their eyes to make the pain go away. They may rub or point to the area. They may cry or yell out obscenities.
As a caregiver, one of the most difficult things to remember is that we are in a rational state of mind, and the person with dementia is in an irrational state. Asking things like: 'where is your pain?', 'why the outbursts?', 'why are you acting like this?', or 'what is the problem?' will only lead to frustration by all involved. The individual can't tell you. Repeated questioning and your frustration only exacerbates the problem or aggressive behavior. The individual with dementia is receiving more stimuli that they are unable to understand and respond to which is frustrating to them.
Every person with dementia manifests their disease is a different way. Not everyone will demonstrate behaviors. There is no magic way to identify why, when, or if an individual will manifest behaviors. Address them as they appear. Do your best to keep your cool then step away if the person is safe. Regain your composure then come back and readdress the issue when you are calm and able to think clearly.
If you are having issues dealing with the behaviors of your loved one, contact me to find out how I can help you address them.