Understanding the Connection Between Agitation and Alzheimer’s Disease
More than three-quarters of people with Alzheimer’s experience agitation as a symptom of the disease, presenting challenges for both patients and caregivers.
You Can Take Action
Information is provided below to help you better understand agitation associated with Alzheimer’s, how to spot it, and options for how to manage it.
What Agitation Looks Like.
Some identifiable symptoms of agitation due to Alzheimer’s include:
- Increased physical aggression such as hitting, grabbing, pushing, kicking, biting, scratching, throwing objects or resisting care
- Increased verbal aggression such as shouting or yelling
- Excessive motor activity such as pacing, restlessness or repetitive behaviors
- Emotional distress such as mood swings, irritability or crying
- Wandering
- Sleep disturbances
The Challenges for Individuals Living with Agitation.
Agitation is common in Alzheimer’s and can significantly impact quality of life for both patients and caregivers. It can increase emotional strain, financial burden and care needs, sometimes leading to transitions into long-term care.
What Causes It.
Agitation may be triggered by factors such as:
- Sleep problems
- Changes in routine or environment
- Loud or overstimulating environments
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Loneliness or isolation
- Physical discomfort such as hunger, thirst, or sensory loss
How To Handle Agitation.
Managing agitation involves both non-medication and medication approaches in consultation with healthcare providers.
Non-medication strategies include:
- Create a calm and familiar environment
- Listen and provide reassurance
- Work with healthcare professionals
- Support caregiver wellbeing
Medication options: Some treatments may help manage symptoms, but should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Citations
- https://content.iospress.com/download/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad210105?id=journal-of-alzheimers-disease%2Fjad210105
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4301197/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4301197/
- https://www.alzoc.org/agitation-and-aggression-associated-with-alzheimers-dementia-coping-strategies-for-caregivers/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4301197/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4301197/
- https://www.alzoc.org/agitation-and-aggression-associated-with-alzheimers-dementia-coping-strategies-for-caregivers/
- https://www.alzoc.org/agitation-and-aggression-associated-with-alzheimers-dementia-coping-strategies-for-caregivers/
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/coping-agitation-and-aggression-alzheimers-disease
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/coping-agitation-and-aggression-alzheimers-disease
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6483820/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alzheimers-disease/beyond-memory-loss-how-to-handle-the-other-symptoms-of-alzheimers
- Herrmann, N., Lanctot, K., Sambrook, R., et al., “The Contribution of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms to the Cost of Dementia Care.” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2006.
- Fillit, H., Aigbogun, M., Gagnon-Sanschagrin, P. et al, “Impact of Agitation in Long-Term Care Residents with Dementia in the United States”, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2021; 36(12).
- Aigbogun S M, Stellhorn R, Hartry A, et al., “Treatment patterns and burden of behavioral disturbances in patients with dementia in the United States: a claims database analysis.” BMC Neurol. 2019;19(33). Doi:10.1186/s12883-019-1260-3.
- Okura T, Langa KM. “Caregiver burden and neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults with cognitive impairment: The Aging, Demographics and Memory Study” (ADAMS). Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2011;25(2):116-121.
- Jones E, Aigbogun MS, Pike J, Berry M, Houle CR, Husbands J. “Agitation in Dementia: Real-World Impact and Burden on Patients and the Healthcare System.” J Alzheimer’s Dis. 2021;83(1):89-101.
- Herrmann, N., Lanctot, K., Sambrook, R., et al., “The Contribution of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms to the Cost of Dementia Care.” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2006. Studies have shown these financial losses to amount to over $7000 annually.
- Jones et al., 2021
- https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-statistics-health-technology-and-caregiving-resources/
- https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/medications-for-memory
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-60971-9_1
- https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers/alzheimers-agitation-aggression#treatment
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/coping-agitation-and-aggression-alzheimers-disease
- https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/medications-for-memory
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