The first step in any treatment plan for behaviour concerns with dementia is for the client to be assessed by a trained therapist. This is a critical step. Many people with dementia tend to neglect, often not seeking treatment until they find themselves in a situation where their behaviour is threatening or causing other problems. The sooner the client receives treatment for their behaviour concerns, the sooner they will recover, and the less likely they will have long-term issues with the disease.
Behaviour concerns with dementia can range from the normal frustrations of everyday life to major disturbances in the patient’s life. These behaviours include mood swings, aggressiveness, isolation, anger and violence, depression, memory loss, aggression and hostility, and many other issues. In addition to behavioural issues, there are also emotional issues that may accompany the above behaviour. These can include feelings of frustration, anger, and resentment, and a lack of confidence.
Many dementia patients exhibit symptoms of depression. The lack of a strong support network can make it even more difficult to cope with this condition, and if the treatment plan does not include support from a trained support person, it may make life even harder.
While this may seem like a daunting task, there are several ways to deal with the behavioral issues with dementia. The first step is to get the client in front of a professional to assess their concerns and make an informed decision about their treatment options. Once a diagnosis is made, the therapy can then be tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
Many people are concerned that they cannot be helped with behaviour concerns with dementia. However, this is not necessarily the case. While most of the problems with dementia have to do with the cognitive side of the illness, it is also possible that the patient may have some of the physical symptoms of dementia without being aware of it.
Suppose the patient is showing signs of depression, anger, or hostility. In that case, it is vital to ensure that they receive adequate support through counseling and support groups to deal with these emotions and work towards coping with the emotional issues that accompany this condition. A support group is particularly important if the person has other mental health issues.
Although behaviour concerns with dementia may not result in the patient dying, they can have a lasting impact on a patient’s quality of life. The patient must have the support they need from friends and family to keep up their relationships to lead an independent life, and cope with all the day-to-day tasks.