Pain, hunger, needing the toilet, too much noise, an unfamiliar face and being rushed are all common triggers. Because the person may be unable to say what is wrong, the behaviour is the message.
The first response is to look for a cause rather than to sedate. Medication is a last resort and carries real risks in dementia.
Why it matters
Most agitation has a findable cause, and finding it is faster than managing the behaviour.
Sources
Where to check this, and where to read more. All external and all authoritative.
- National Institute on Aging: Managing personality and behavior changes
- Alzheimer's Association: Anxiety and agitation
Agitation where you live
The local guide on this, for each city we cover.
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Detroit, MI
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Milwaukee, WI
- New York, NY
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Tucson, AZ