Managing Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease: Behavioral Approaches

Managing agitation in Alzheimer’s disease should start with person-centered strategies like those highlighted in the box below.¹

Person-centered strategies for improving agitation in Alzheimer’s disease²

Provide education for the caregiver
Enhance effective communication (verbal and nonverbal) between the caregiver and the person living with dementia
Apply function-focused care to help maintain physical function and prevent frustration with not being able to perform various activities
Create meaningful activities for the person living with dementia
Simplify tasks and establish structured routines
Simplify and enhance the living environment to ensure safety

Current guidelines recommend nonpharmacologic approaches such as music, aromatherapy, exercise, sensory stimulation interventions, animal-assisted therapy, and environmental modifications as a first-line approach to managing agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.²

Introduction

Pathophysiology of Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease

Manifestations of Agitation

Diagnosing Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease

Managing Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease: Behavioral Approaches

Managing Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease: Medical Approaches

Resources

References

Grossberg GT, Kolanowski A, Medders L, Sanford A, Scanland S. Understanding agitation in Alzheimer’s disease. Insights and Implications in Gerontology. August 2023.
Reus VI, Fochtmann LJ, Eyler AE, et al. The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline on the use of antipsychotics to treat agitation or psychosis in patients with dementia (http://psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890426807). Accessed 10/31/23.