Behavior change in dementia is often taboo in the consulting room

Changes in behavior and emotions are a hallmark of dementia. More than 85% of all people with Alzheimer’s are affected. In some other forms of dementia, this percentage is even higher. It is a well-known phenomenon in nursing homes, but these changes also occur in the early stage of dementia. According to Erasmus MC researcher Willem Eikelboom, if people with dementia still live at home, there is not always sufficient recognition and guidance regarding behavioral change. “More attention should be paid to this. Coping with behavior change is one of the biggest challenges for informal caregivers. ‘ Together with Dr. Janne Papma and Dr. Rik Ossen Koppele, is conducting research on behavioral change in people with Alzheimer’s who still live at home. This research is funded by Alzheimer Nederland.

‘During my research I benefited a lot from the training’addressing behavior change in dementia‘op dementie.nl.’ Willem Eikelboom

The behavior of people with dementia can change in various ways, even 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 behaviors in a person, but it can also lead to new behaviors. Eikelboom: ‘It is logical that the diagnosis of dementia evokes emotions. But people with dementia can’t get out of these emotions very well. ‘

Recognize Behavioral Change

Behavioral changes have a major effect on the person with dementia, but they can also be very difficult for those close to them. ‘Doctors can therefore play an important role in recognizing behavioral changes. As a first step, they can explain the behavioral changes associated with dementia. These are not always known to those close to them, so there is still a lot to be gained. Now changes often only come into play when situations get out of hand. ‘

Discuss behavior change together

Out interviews with doctors working at the memory clinic, doctors seem to have a hard time managing this change in behavior. It can also be a difficult subject for caregivers. ‘I’ve noticed that informal caregivers don’t always talk about behavioral changes out of shame. For example, sometimes they shoot themselves out of their shoes. Or they don’t mention it to avoid disagreements or discomfort with a 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 for information more actively in a safe environment. ‘

How do you cope with behavioral changes?

If the topic has been discussed, you can discuss with your doctor at the memory clinic or family doctor how to cope with the behavioral changes. Together you will discover if there is a reason for the behavior and how you can change it. ‘Sometimes it can be quite a quest. The training ‘addressing behavior change in dementia“shows very well how you can cope with the behavior of your loved one.” It also offers tools to start a conversation with the general practitioner (OID). This course can be taken for free via the dementia.nl platform.