I firmly believe that caregiver anxiety and stress can bleed over onto the care receiver causing that person for feel anxious. In other words, caregiver stress can be contagious. Therefore, caregivers do need to look at their own stress levels and find outside help if continuing stress is an issue. Even a brief respite can help the caregiver recover, and in turn the care receiver may feel more serene, thus breaking the stress cycle.

Keep the doctor in the loop. If agitation and aggression are common events, a new medication, a change in dosage of an older medication or a drug interaction may be causing the problem or at least exacerbating it. Also, the doctor may offer more suggestions or have a medication change in mind. Always keep in close contact with your loved one’s doctor when there are challenges.

No one is going to be able to completely smooth the way for their loved one with dementia. However, by keeping a clear head and asking for help when necessary, you may be able to limit their distressing episodes or at least cut down on the intensity.

For more information about Carol visit  www.mindingourelders.com or www.mindingoureldersblogs.com

Sources:

National Institutes of Health National Institute on Aging.  Alzheimer’s Caregiving Tips: Coping with Agitation and Aggression. Retrieved from http://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/Alzheimers_Caregiving_Tips_Coping_with_Agitation_and_Aggression.pdf

 (2007, August 6 ) Johns Hopkins Health Alert: The Six “R’s”. Retrieved from http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/memory/JohnsHopkinsHealthAlertsMemory_1433-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

Lazar, K. (2012, May 31) US aims to cut use of drugs on dementia patients. Boston Globe. Retrieved from http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2012/05/30/aims-cut-use-drugs-dementia-patients/0YIPVAjhztUXyUHz5dROvL/story.html?camp=pm