Challenging Behaviours: Confusion
What does it look like?
During the early stages of dementia, your loved one may have trouble finding words to describe their feelings, or they may forget new information.
Confusion tends to worsen into middle-stage dementia; your loved one may forget who you are, where they are, where they live, what year it is and even details about their own history.
How to manage it?
If your parent thinks that you are their late father instead of his son, trying to convince him that he is mistaken may upset them even more.
Instead, try connecting on an emotional level to go into his dementia world.
Causes of confusion.
- Being suddenly admitted to a hospital.
- Changes in the daily schedule.
- New visitors or too many people.
- Confrontation or perceived threats.
Tips to prevent confusion.
- Create a calm environment: being overstimulated by loud talking, commotion, and unfamiliar faces causes stress.
- Avoid surprises and sudden changes in routine when possible. Changes are a major cause of confusion and agitation for people living with dementia. There may come a time when they need professional care, like moving him/her to a facility. First, consider part-time care in the early stages. Before moving your loved one into an assisted living facility, they can familiarise themselves with caregivers and become comfortable in surroundings outside the home.
What are the symptoms of confusion?
- Frustration.
- Aggression.
- Unusual behaviour or mood swings.
- Anxiety.
Confusion may come on quickly or develop over time and can range from mild to severe.
By Welma Geldenhuys
If you need advice or help, contact ADASA. We will support you in this journey.
National Helpline: 086 010 2681
Someone is diagnosed with dementia every 3 seconds.