Changes in behavior and emotions are a hallmark of dementia. More than 85% of all people with Alzheimer’s disease are affected. In some other forms of dementia, this percentage is even higher. It is a well-known phenomenon in the nursing home, but these changes also occur in the early phase of dementia. According to researcher Willem Eikelboom of Erasmus MC, if people with dementia still live at home, there is not always sufficient recognition and guidance with regard to behavioral change. ‘More attention should be paid to that. Dealing with changed behavior is one of the biggest challenges for informal carers.’ Together with Dr. Janne Papma and Dr. Rik Ossen Koppele, he is conducting research into behavioral change in people with Alzheimer’s who still live at home. This research is funded by Alzheimer Nederland.
‘During my research, the training ‘dealing with changed behavior in dementia’ on dementia.nl has been of great help to me.’ Willem Eikelboom
The behavior of people with dementia can change in various ways, including in the early stages of the disease. For example, someone may no longer feel like doing anything or become very restless, suspicious, depressed or anxious. Dementia can reinforce certain behavior of a person, but it can also lead to new behaviour. Eikelboom: ‘It is logical that the diagnosis of dementia evokes emotions. But people with dementia don’t manage to get out of these emotions very well.’
Recognizing behavioral change
Behavioral changes have a major effect on the person with dementia, but can also be very hard on those close to them. ‘Doctors can then play an important role in recognizing behavioral changes. As a first step, they can explain behavioral changes associated with dementia. These are not always known to those close to them, so there is still a lot to gain. Now changes often only come into play when situations get out of hand.’
Discuss behavior change together
Interviews with doctors working at the memory outpatient clinic show that doctors find it difficult to deal with this changed behaviour. It can also be a difficult subject for carers. ‘I noticed that informal carers don’t always talk about behavioral changes out of shame. For example, they sometimes shoot themselves out of their shoes. Or they don’t mention it to avoid disagreement or discomfort with the loved one with dementia. However, it is important to talk about it as a caregiver. Only in this way can you investigate what the cause is and what you can do about it. Doctors could also ask about it more actively in a safe environment.’
How do you deal with behavioral changes?
If the subject has been discussed, you can discuss with the doctor at the memory clinic or GP how you can deal with the behavioral changes. Together you can find out whether there is a reason for the behavior and how you could adjust it. ‘Sometimes it can be quite a search. The training ‘dealing with changed behavior in dementia’ shows very well how you can deal with the behavior of your loved one.’ It also offers tools for entering into a conversation with the general practitioner (OID). This course can be followed free of charge via the platform dementia.nl.