The 4 A’s of Alzheimer’s
Whether your loved one was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, or they’ve been dealing with the condition for a while now, you may have questions about what to expect and how you can support them.
In a previous interview, Judy Kanelos of Safe-T Home Care discussed the four A’s of Alzheimer’s: agitation, anxiety, aggression, and apathy. She also shared signs that caregivers should look for, as well as practical tips to guide seniors through the mental and emotional changes this condition brings.
Below, you’ll find more information about each of the four A’s of Alzheimer’s — and how you can help your loved one navigate this disease.
To read or listen to our original interview with Judy Kanelos, please click here.
1. Agitation
How They May Feel or Act
Your family member is losing their ability to process new information and stimuli, which is understandably quite frustrating for them. As a result, they may get agitated as they struggle to express what they think or feel. Loud noises, hunger, lack of sleep, pain, and simply being too hot or too cold can set off agitation in your loved one.
Dealing with loss or change can also frustrate and overwhelm your family member. For example, they probably miss the freedom of driving, or the ease of remembering people and events. Your loved one may also experience depression as they face the reality of growing older and navigating the challenges that Alzheimer’s brings.
How You Can Help Them
One of the best things you can do for your loved one is to make sure they’re comfortable. Try asking them questions (calmly, and one at a time) to figure out what they need to feel better. Are they tired, hungry, thirsty, or in pain? Do they need to use the restroom? Is the house too warm or too cold?
Limiting stimulation and potential triggers can also help you prevent agitation in your loved one. For instance, if a TV show in the background will overstimulate or distract them, turn off the television and have a conversation with them. Listen to their frustrations, and let your family member know you’re there for them.
2. Anxiety
How They May Feel or Act
Someone with Alzheimer’s may become restless and want to pace or move around. Your loved one might also feel exhausted and scared from trying to make sense of the confusing world around them. Or, they may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, making them even more prone to exhaustion and anxiety.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, your loved one will probably be anxious about the seriousness of the disease, as well as the loss of memory and independence they’ll face. Later on, they may feel anxious about being left alone or knowing a change in routine is coming — even if they can’t remember what that change is.
How You Can Help Them
Support your loved one by creating a calm, safe home environment. They’ll have peace of mind knowing they can relax in their own house. If they’re fidgety, giving them a soft toy to keep their hands busy can help. You can also guide your family member through a few safe and easy exercises so they can burn off some energy.
Your loved one will also appreciate you giving them as much independence as possible. Let them feed, bathe, and dress themselves for as long as they can. When the time comes for you to step in and assist them, doing these things at the same time each day or week will help your loved one adjust to the change.
3. Aggression
How They May Feel or Act
It’s challenging to cope with a loved one who can be verbally or physically aggressive, whether that’s due to a challenging situation or for no apparent reason. Alzheimer’s-related aggression can come from pain, physical discomfort, a loud or unfamiliar environment, and/or poor communication or frustration from their caregiver.
Additionally, your loved one’s inability to remember something may frustrate them to the point where they can get violent. They might start throwing things or acting belligerent and unkind. They don’t mean to be aggressive, but it’s important to protect yourself and your loved one in these situations so nobody gets hurt.
How You Can Help Them
Make sure your loved one feels comfortable, calm, and safe (like you’d do for an agitated senior). One way to do this is by playing music to soothe your family member and redirect their focus to a favorite song or two. If you think your own stress or irritability is setting off their aggression, take a deep breath and try to relax.
If necessary, stay a safe distance away from your loved one until their aggressive behavior stops — using a soft, positive tone of voice as you reassure them that everything’s okay. At the same time, try to keep them in your line of sight, so you can ensure they don’t accidentally hurt themselves.
4. Apathy
How They May Feel or Act
You may notice that a loved one with Alzheimer’s has become less energetic, sociable, and/or motivated to do things they used to enjoy. They’ve likely developed apathy, with symptoms that may include:
- Not having the energy for daily tasks, such as brushing their teeth or showering
- Relying on others to organize activities
- Being uninterested in talking to new people or joining conversations
- Seeming unemotional or detached when they hear about news or personal events
It’s easy to confuse apathy with depression (which some Alzheimer’s patients also struggle with), but apathetic people will simply have low energy, not low mood. If your loved one is depressed, they might have low self-esteem or feel sad, tearful, and/or hopeless.
How You Can Help Them
Break down routines into small, manageable steps that help your family member feel a sense of accomplishment once they complete a task. For example, if bathing is overwhelming to your loved one, you can split up this task into a few steps: going into the bathroom, running water, removing clothing, and stepping into the bath or shower.
You can also engage your family member in activities they enjoy, such as crafting, listening to music, or taking a walk. Above all, don’t accuse them of being lazy or uncaring. We know it’s hard to cope with apathy in a loved one, but try to remember that they’re not choosing to be disengaged or unenergetic.
We hope this information helps you feel more prepared as you guide your loved one through the four A’s of Alzheimer’s.
Caring for a family member is one of the most loving and selfless things you’ll ever do — and you don’t have to do it alone. It’s not always easy to ask for help, but working with an in-home care provider can give you peace of mind as you:
- Honor your loved one’s need to be independent.
- Enjoy a non-caregiver relationship with them again.
- Keep them safe at home, even when you can’t be there.
Safe-T Home Care is an in-home care agency in Monticello, Indiana. We provide transportation, financial planning, and other services so your loved ones can stay safe and independent at home. For more information, visit our website or like us on Facebook.