What does Distressed Behavior in Dementia Indicate and How to Help a Patient

1. What does Distressed Behavior in Dementia Indicate and How to Help a Patient?

2. In a condition like dementia, some effects are seen on the behavior of a patient. In some cases, distress behavior is reflected. It is led by certain causes that can vary from one patient to another. The dementia specialist, Praby Sodhi, is of the view that managing distressed behavior is important. When it is not control , caregivers can face difficulties to manage the disorder as well. Based on how this behavior is indicated, they can opt for its management, as believe by Mr. Sodhi. • Main Types of Indications of Distressed Behavior in Dementia • Distressed behavior can make a person behave in an unusual manner. This can send across a few indications. They can be broadly categorize into physical and mental indications. As part of these categories, multiple signs are observe . They can range from hallucinations to bodily infections. • Physical Indications of Distressed Behavior during Dementia • At least 6 signs can be indicated when a dementia patient is distress. These signs can occur in a combination when the behavior of a patient is observe . Or, the signs can be individually present in him or her. • Praby Sodhi, the dementia specialist, says that it is also important to realize that these physical indications and their severity can vary among patients.

3. Occurrence of Infections • Patients with dementia can become distressed when they are developing infections. A urinary tract infection or UTI is one common occurrence. A foul-smelling urine indicates the development of this infection. For patients, understanding this symptom is usually a challenge. In consequence, they can experience distressed behavior • Other infections contributing to such behavior include: • Pneumonia • Infection in gums • Lung infections • Presence of Pain • A person who is in the moderate or later stage of dementia can undergo different types of pain. When they are unable to identify the source of the same, their behavior can indicate that they are distress. • This pain can occur due to bodily changes. • It can occur because of poor oral hygiene. • Skin infections or problems can contribute to it. • There can be other factors causing pain and be identify. • To do so, caregivers can look for signs of discomfort. • They can additionally observe triggers resulting in pain and such behavior. • Changes in Appetite • It is not uncommon for dementia to lead to changes in appetite. Mr. Sodhi is of the view that these changes can include modifications in preferences. Also, in some cases, patients may not be able to identify when they are thirsty or hungry. Or, even when they identify the same, conveying their needs to others is difficult for some patients. • The inability to understand the changes related to appetite can indicate that a dementia patient is distress. Caregivers can aim to identify the changes in appetite. Moreover, they can encourage patients to eat or drink as per the schedule.

4. Mental Indications of Distressed Behavior in Dementia • Patients with dementia can indicate mental triggers that are leading to distressed behavior. This is more common for those who have been diagnose with Lewy body dementia. These indications are mainly in the form of visual hallucinations, according to the observation of Mr. Sodhi. • During these, patients can view things that do not exist. • These perceptions are frightening for patients. • When not acknowledged, the situation can worsen. • In Essence • This brain disorder, dementia, can make a person behave oddly. Usually, when he/she is distress , this behavior will be indicated. Through the indication, the specialist, Praby Sodhi, says that the potential cause of the behavior can be identify. Based on this, it can be treat, managed, or controlled.