A person with Alzheimer’s may feel anxious or agitated. He or she may become restless, causing a need to move around or pace, or become upset in certain places or when focused on specific details.

Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/anxiety-agitation

• Create a calm, quiet, and comfortable environment.
• Decrease stressors, such as loud televisions, screaming children, and unfamiliar visitors. Monitor room temperature, light level, and glare.
• Eliminate caffeine and alcohol.
• Obtain a hearing and vision check to make certain hearing aid and eyeglass prescriptions are adequate.
• Review medication side effects. Many medications, including those used for allergy and sleep, can be mind-altering.
• Help your loved one engage in activities that are soothing and give him or her pleasure and comfort – like walking a favorite dog, listening to a favorite type of music, or watching a favorite sport on television.
• Offer a security object such as a pillow, stuffed animal, or small blanket in association with soothing rituals like gentle touch.
• Monitor personal comfort by checking for: pain, hunger, thirst, constipation, full bladder, fatigue, infections, and skin irritation.
• Be sensitive to fears, misperceived threats, and frustration. Simplify tasks and routines.
• Be attentive but avoid overwhelming your loved one with questions and conversation.
• Provide an opportunity for exercise: go for a walk, garden together, or put on music and dance.

Violence is not a frequent part of this disease, but hallucinations and paranoia are common. Because Alzheimer’s disease can affect a person’s judgment and perception, it is wise to keep dangerous instruments, such as guns and knives, locked away.

Medication classes frequently tried include antidepressants, sedative/hypnotics, and antipsychotics. FDA approved research trials are also available.