Dementia is a progressive brain disease that affects a person’s thinking, memory, behavior, and emotions.

As the disease progresses, individuals may experience difficulty with daily activities, playing an active role in the community, and even maintaining social relationships. Recent studies have shown that dementia can also have a significant impact on a person’s emotions.

Risk of Losing Emotions with Dementia

Research has shown that people with dementia are at a significantly higher risk of losing control over their emotions.

According to a study published in the journal Neurology, individuals with dementia are 40% more likely to experience emotional changes such as aggression, depression, and anxiety than people who do not have the disease. The study conducted on 1,000 people over the age of 60 and examined the risk of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety in those suffering from dementia.

Dementia symptoms such as changes in mood, behavior, and thinking abilities can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and their ability to function on a daily basis.

This decline is often accompanied by a change in their emotional behavior, which can cause anxiety, depression, and aggression in individuals. They may also lose interest in hobbies, become easily agitated, and withdraw from loved ones.

Types of Emotional Changes in Dementia

Dementia can cause different types of emotional changes in individuals, including:.

Depression

Depression is a common symptom of dementia, and it is estimated that up to 40% of people with the disease experience depression at some point.

Individuals with dementia who experience depression may become withdrawn, lose interest in activities, and have difficulty sleeping.

Anxiety

Many individuals with dementia experience anxiety, which is characterized by worry and fear. They may worry about their safety, future, or lose confidence in themselves. Anxiety may manifest through restlessness, fidgeting, and becoming easily agitated.

Agitation

Agitation is another common emotional change associated with dementia and can take many forms, including pacing, verbal aggression, or physical aggression.

It can occur with little to no warning and can be extremely distressing for both the individual with dementia and their caregivers.

Paranoia

Individuals with dementia may also experience paranoia, which is an unfounded and irrational fear of others. They may believe that someone is stealing from them, or that someone is trying to harm them, leading to extreme caution in their behavior.

Paranoia is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

Apathy

Apathy is a loss of interest or motivation in activities or hobbies that once gave pleasure to an individual. Some people can also lose motivation to engage socially, leading to a sense of isolation and loneliness.

Causes of Emotional Changes in Dementia

There are several reasons why people with dementia experience emotional changes such as aggression, depression, and anxiety. These include:.

Changes in Brain Structure

The areas of the brain that control emotions, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, are affected by dementia. As the disease progresses, these areas can become damaged, causing individuals with dementia to lose control over their emotions.

Medications

Individuals with dementia are often prescribed medications to help manage their symptoms, such as aricept. Some of these medications can cause side effects such as agitation and anxiety, which can contribute to emotional changes.

Stressful Situations

Stressful situations, such as hospitalization, a change in environment, or a family conflict, can be overwhelming for people with dementia.

They may not have the ability to express their feelings verbally, leading to emotional outbursts, aggression, or other symptoms of dementia.

Treatment for Emotional Changes in Dementia

There is no cure for dementia, but there are treatments to manage symptoms such as emotional changes, including:.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy involves working with a therapist to change behaviors that may be contributing to emotional changes.

It can also provide training for caregivers to manage emotional outbursts and develop coping strategies for both the individual and caregiver.

Medications

Antidepressants and antipsychotic medications are often prescribed to individuals with dementia to manage symptoms such as depression, anxiety, aggression, and other emotional changes.

It is important to note that these medications can cause side effects and should be used only under the guidance of a medical professional.

Environmental Changes

Creating a soothing and calming environment can help individuals with dementia feel more relaxed and less anxious. This can be achieved by reducing noise levels, providing adequate lighting, and including familiar objects in their environment.

Conclusion

Dementia is a life-altering disease that affects not only the individual with the disease but also their caregivers and loved ones.

Emotional changes are a common symptom of dementia, and it is important to understand their causes and symptoms to manage them effectively. With the right treatments and support, individuals with dementia can maintain their quality of life and continue to experience life’s joys.