Dementia and Mood Swings

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can experience volatile mood swings. These episodes, whether unprovoked irritability or sudden sullenness, can be difficult for their family caregivers to manage. Below, we offer information and advice to help you manage and potentially reduce your loved one’s mood changes with dementia. 

First, the Connection Between Dementia and Mood Disorders

Where are these mood swings coming from? As dementia takes its toll on a person’s brain, the result can take the form of numerous mood and personality changes. These changes result from the person losing cells in certain areas of the brain. 

It’s common for those in various stages of dementia to exhibit:

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Aggression
• Confusion
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Impulsivity
• And more

How to Deal with Dementia Mood Swings

According to Ruth Drew, director of Family and Information Services for the Alzheimer’s Association, the best thing that a caregiver can do to mitigate mood changes is to know and understand the individual. “Knowing their history, likes and dislikes, favorite foods, music and activities, as well as what soothes them, what upsets them, what time of day they’re at their best, etc.” can help you bring them out of funks and calm them from episodes of anger or aggression. “When you know the person,” she says, “you can also organize the day so that you anticipate and avert many problems before they occur. You recognize the signs of distress early and have several methods of dealing with them.”

Some other simple ways to manage dementia irritability and mood changes include:

• Filling the day with pleasant experiences in which the person is comfortable and comforted by sights, sounds, and tastes they enjoy. 
• Offering plenty of time to enjoy favorite hobbies and activities, which mitigates feelings of boredom and loneliness. 
• Proper management of diet, physical activity, and medications can minimize pain that might also cause mood swings.

Sudden Mood Changes in Dementia May Be Rooted in Hidden Pain or Discomfort

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Drew says that “When someone with Alzheimer’s seems upset or withdrawn, first assess for pain or discomfort. Pain in people with Alzheimer’s is under-recognized and under-treated,” she says, “because they may not tell us in the way we expect.” 

Drew says that if you suspect pain might be causing mood swings, contact your loved one’s medical team to diagnose and treat the issue. 

Other times, it might be recurring mild discomfort causing the behavior. “Sometimes, the things we interpret as mood swings or challenging behavior can simply be a person’s reaction to uncomfortable clothing, being too hot, too cold, hungry, thirsty, bored or fatigued.” 

To help you determine if a pain issue or a common discomfort is causing mood swings, Drew recommends putting yourself in their shoes. “Try to look at the world through the other person’s eyes, we can figure out what’s going on and help to solve it."

Consider Tapping Outside Resources for Managing Dementia and Mood Changes

Know that sometimes there’s only so much a family caregiver can do without outside help. The Alzheimer's Association operates a 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900. They also offer in-person education programs and support groups in local areas, as well as online social media and eLearning sites. 

Respite Care for Dementia: Experience the Difference Homewatch CareGivers Can Make

Supporting a loved one with dementia can be a painful and exhausting process, but you don’t have to do it alone. Homewatch CareGivers has locations nationwide that offer support for people living with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Having an experienced in-home dementia caregiver can provide much-needed reassurance and comfort for both the individual with dementia and their family caregivers.

Request a free in-home consultation from our team of Alzheimer’s care experts. You can also call us at 888-404-5191 to learn more about how we can support you and your loved one.