{"id":412,"date":"2019-10-04T16:43:13","date_gmt":"2019-10-04T21:43:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.eugeria.ca\/?p=412"},"modified":"2020-02-21T12:48:28","modified_gmt":"2020-02-21T17:48:28","slug":"how-to-deal-with-the-challenges-of-behavioral-and-psychological-symptoms-of-dementia-bpsd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/info.eugeria.ca\/en\/how-to-deal-with-the-challenges-of-behavioral-and-psychological-symptoms-of-dementia-bpsd\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Deal with the Challenges of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)"},"content":{"rendered":"

If your loved one\u00a0has dementia<\/a>\u00a0and has been acting out of character lately, maybe he or she is experiencing something referred to as Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). These challenging behaviors are common in dementia and can include: apathy (severe and persistent indifference), agitation, aggressiveness, anxiety and depression, vocalizations, delusions, or hallucinations.<\/p>\n

Caring for someone with BPSDs can be overwhelming. It\u2019s no surprise that BPSDs are one of the main reasons for moving into institutionalized care when affected by dementia. But if caregivers are better able to manage these challenging behaviors, this can ease their burden and may delay institutionalization.<\/p>\n

To help you manage these behaviors, here are some strategies to address BPSDs when they arise. You can try to:<\/p>\n

1. Look for a source of physical discomfort<\/h3>\n

Your loved one\u2019s ability to communicate may be impaired by dementia. Occasionally, BPSDs are a sign of physical discomfort (pain, constipation, other sources). By finding what is behind them, you may improve BPSDs.<\/p>\n

2. Check if there was a recent change in medication<\/h3>\n

Older adults are particularly prone to side effects of medication and can react strongly to a change in drug regimen. A new medication or an error in posology could be the cause of a BPSD.<\/p>\n

3. Create and maintain a secure and familiar environment<\/h3>\n

When affected by dementia, making sense of the environment can become difficult. Something that is non-threatening could appear to be. If your loved one feels threatened or insecure, he or she might misinterpret what is happening around them. Creating a safe environment is key. Also ensure that corrective glasses and hearing aids are worn and properly adjust<\/p>\n

4. Develop routines<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s easy to feel overwhelmed when our brain plays tricks on us. Regular routines and a predictable day-to-day schedule will help to create a greater sense of control and reduce BPSDs. Making mornings, meals, activities, and sleep patterns predictable for your loved one will help reduce the BPSDs. Avoid any sudden changes as much as possible.<\/p>\n

5. Use dementia-friendly communication techniques<\/h3>\n

Dementia-friendly communication will boost your loved one\u2019s ability to understand you and reduce misunderstandings. Here are some effective strategies:<\/p>\n