People with dementia may experience anxiety, and this is a normal part of the disease. Anxiety can present itself in many ways—from unexplained fear to physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating. Here are some tips on how you can help your loved one cope with anxiety caused by dementia:
Understand The Reasons Behind Anxiety
One reason that anxiety is common among people with dementia is that they often have trouble communicating what they are feeling. They may become anxious because they can’t remember how to do something or because they feel like their mind is racing, making it hard for them to focus on one thought at a time. They may also feel anxious about losing control over their lives, which can happen when dementia progresses or before symptoms begin.
The person may also feel like something is wrong with them and begin worrying that everyone else will see it too. In addition, people with early-stage dementia may lose some cognitive abilities and personality traits (like being outgoing), leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
If you notice signs of dementia in your loved one, such as forgetfulness and confusion, you should talk about them openly with them, so they know what’s going on and why they’re acting differently than before.
Help Your Loved One Remember Where They Are
You can help your loved one remember where they are by simply explaining the room’s location. If they’re in a home setting, you can also show them pictures that depict it.
You may have to explain repeatedly that you are not at work or any other place where there may be stressful situations for them. You need to ensure that this person feels safe and secure at all times; if you feel something is wrong with your loved one’s mental state, contact their doctor immediately.
Check And Adjust The Environment
The environment your loved one is in should be safe and secure. Ensure no hazards, such as loose cords or furniture, can cause injury.
Clutter and excess furniture can make a room feel smaller, so consider removing them from their space to make it more open. Also, think about the lighting situation in your loved one’s home: if it’s too dark for them to see well, new lamps may be needed. In addition to low lighting being good for helping keep anxiety at bay, having adequate light will also help reduce the risk of accidents by making it easier for your loved one to navigate their surroundings. If they’re prone to falling while walking around at night or early morning (when most people find themselves awake), consider purchasing nightlights so that they’ll always have access to some light when walking around outside during these times of day!
If there’s noise coming from somewhere else in the house while they’re trying to sleep (or read), check whether or not any adjustments could be made (such as closing doors) so that this doesn’t happen again.
Provide Reassurance And Comfort
You can help your loved one by reassuring them that they are safe and at home. It will also help to keep their mind busy by asking questions about things they like. For example, “Do you remember where we live?” or “What do you like to eat?” Another option is to ask them what they need right now.
Finally, keep your loved one calm and remind them that you are there for them if they need anything. If a situation becomes difficult for your loved one, try distracting them with something else for a moment.
Conclusion
There are many kinds of anxiety, which can be challenging for the person experiencing them. If your loved one is struggling with anxiety, it’s important to remember that you aren’t alone. You can get help from a professional or find other resources online. Remember that every case is different, so don’t feel discouraged if what worked for someone else doesn’t work for you!
