Behaviours

You may sometimes find your loved ones behaviour confusing, irritating or even upsetting. It can be difficult to know what to do or how to repsond.

Remember, your loved one is not being difficult...They can't help their behaviour.  Anonymous

Understanding dementia and the impact it can have on a person's behaviour can help. Trying to understand the meaning behind the action can also help. You will, over time develop, strategies to help you to cope with behaviour that you find difficult. 

There are people who can help you to do this.

• Talk to the doctor and / or consultant about behaviours that present. They will help you to understand the behaviour and explore ways to help to deal with it. In some cases, there may be medications that can help to allievate some symptoms. In other cases, there may be a reason for a behaviour such as an undiagnosed infection which could be causing pain or discomfort.
• Talk to other carers, join a support group or go online.
• Call the National Alzheimer Helpline at 1800 341 341
• Read the factsheets below. 

Enjoy the time with your loved one and keep a sense of humour - it lightens some difficult situations! Judy, Dublin.

It is important that the doctor working with you and your loved one knows about behaviours that emerge and works with you and your loved one to understand and deal with them.

Read our fact sheets which will help you to understand and cope with some behaviours that can emerge when a person has dementia. Not every person with dementia will experience all these behaviours, choose the ones that you feel are relevant to you.

Factsheet: Unusual Behaviour
Factsheet: Aggressive Behaviour
Factsheet: Hallucinations and Delusions
Factsheet: Sexual Difficulties

If you would like printed copies of these factsheets contact our national Helpline at 1800 341 341 or email helpline@alzhiemer.ie. We post copies free of charge to family members and friends of people with dementia.