by Jessica Hasson

Ever wonder why when someone you love gets older they often say things that are out of character, hurtful, or just strange.

A recent story from the New York Times tells how caregivers find some of the verbal, physical and emotional expressions of a mother or father to be shocking and completely out of character – as if their loved one has become a different person.

Some speculate that this change in behavior is merely a reflection of buried emotions and feelings. They believe the Alzheimer’s disease is removing the ‘politically correct’ filters, and letting the flood-gates open to reveal the hidden dark-side of the individual.

Such behavior can include issuing profanity or insults, accusing family members of stealing items that have gone missing, unnatural sleeping and waking patterns and much more. However, it’s important for caregivers to understand that these symptoms are the result of a disease linked to aging and the breakdown of brain cells, and not a conscious decision.

The developmental process of Alzheimer’s disease means that patients can exhibit increasingly unusual and erratic behavior during the last years of life. The most apparent stages of the disease include memory loss and confused identity – for example, a mother may begin referring to her daughter as “mom.” However, some Alzheimer’s patients might exhibit disturbing behavior that can be emotionally crippling for a caregiver.

This can be a very difficult stage of life, especially for adult children of aging parents. Role reversal and Alzheimer’s disease mean that a caregiver must be prepared for the worst possible circumstances. An optimistic mindset and proper understanding of the cause of Alzheimer’s symptoms can alleviate some of the stresses and difficulties involved in the process. What follows are a few suggestions for coping with uncomfortable aging-related crises.

The most important thing to remember about Alzheimer’s disease is that, past a certain point, a loved one can lose sensibility. Actions such as blurting profanity and insults are not a product of an Alzheimer’s patient’s conscious choice, but rather the actions of sick and dying brain tissue.

The best thing to do at the onset of these symptoms is to arrange activities that divert a care recipient’s attention from annoyances or the surrounding environment. For example, someone who loves gardening or cooking might be able to help with some of the simpler steps of such an activity, like planting seeds or peeling potatoes. Repetitive tasks can be essential to keeping an Alzheimer’s patient occupied, interested and alert in a way that minimizes the need for outbursts, frustration or misunderstandings.

For those whose physical or mental condition precludes a physical activity, changing clothing or putting on a familiar TV show might help to ease outbursts. Daily routine and familiarity are essential to making an Alzheimer’s patient feel comfortable and at-home, even if a home environment no longer exists.

In the most extreme of cases, some form of assisted living may be necessary, whether it is an in-home care giving service or a senior facility.

Filed under: Alzheimer's, Elder Issues, Eldercare