Try gentle touching, soothing music, reading, or walks. Reduce noise, clutter, or the number of people in the room. Try to distract the person with a favorite snack, object, or activity. Limit the amount of caffeine the person drinks and eats.
Reality orientation is a therapeutic technique used with people who have dementia or are otherwise disoriented. The approach is to weave details of their surroundings into the conversation, including where they are, who they are with, and what day it is.
But common ones that can ease agitation include: Medicines that treat paranoia and confusion, called neuroleptics or antipsychotics. Examples of these are aripiprazole (Abilify), haloperidol (Haldol), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal), and ziprasidone (Geodon).
The bottom line
To decrease agitation and aggression in people with dementia, nondrug options are more effective than medications. Physical activity, touch and massage, and music can all be used as tools to manage agitation related to dementia.
The “three Rs” approach to calming an agitated patient with Alzheimer's disease involves: a. Responding, restoring order, and restarting the activity.
First, the patient is verbally engaged; then a collaborative relationship is established; and, finally, the patient is verbally de-escalated out of the agitated state.
Try to identify activities that are soothing to the person, such as listening to calming music, looking at photographs or watching a favorite movie. Take a walk with the person to help reduce their restlessness. Talk to the person's doctor about the best times of day for taking medication.
Reminiscence Therapy
It is considered amongst the most popular of all non-pharmacological interventions and can be enjoyed by both people with dementia, their relatives and health service professionals.
Antidepressants such as sertraline, citalopram, mirtazapine and trazodone are widely prescribed for people with dementia who develop changes in mood and behaviour. There is some evidence that they may help to reduce agitation – particularly citalopram.
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If you want to make an impact and build your presence in a professional setting, developing four basic communication skills is key. These basic communication skills are speaking, writing, listening and reading. The way you communicate with others and present your ideas makes a lasting impression on people.
The nursing interventions for a dementia client are: Orient client. Frequently orient client to reality and surroundings. Allow client to have familiar objects around him or her; use other items, such as a clock, a calendar, and daily schedules, to assist in maintaining reality orientation.
Listening to music, dancing, or contact with babies, children or animals provide positive feelings. People with dementia often have excellent memories of past events, and looking through old photos, memorabilia and books can help the person to recall earlier times.
Playing music, having objects to touch and interact with, and hand massage can all help people with dementia in the later stages. Playlist for Life is a music and dementia charity. It promotes how music with personal meaning can help people with dementia. You can find and listen to existing playlists, or make your own.
Anxiolytics, also known as anti-anxiety drugs, can be used to calm dementia patients. They may be used as a sleep aid as well. Similarly, antipsychotic medications are often prescribed to address aggression, hostility, delusions, and hallucinations.
The physical environment is important for someone with dementia. It can help them stay safe, comfortable and as independent as possible. A dementia-friendly environment can support the person in getting their bearings at home and help them to participate in and enjoy everyday activities.
I'm going to discuss five of the most basic ones here: 1) Don't tell them they are wrong about something, 2) Don't argue with them, 3) Don't ask if they remember something, 4) Don't remind them that their spouse, parent or other loved one is dead, and 5) Don't bring up topics that may upset them.
The patient will commonly be started on a small dose of sedative (such as a benzodiazepine like midazolam or lorazepam). They may also be given an anti-psychotic (such as haloperidol). Medicines are usually given as injections or through a syringe pump (also known as a syringe driver).
Mindful Practice: Ease Stress and Calm Agitation
Take three deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then settle into a natural breathing rhythm. 2. Feel your forehead relax, along with your eyes, your jaw, your whole face.
Some simple, basic interventions can be used to ease agitation behaviors. Some studies have proved that playing calming music can lead to a decrease in agitation. Music may be played during meals, bath, or relaxation.