06/14/2026
Understanding restlessness and agitation in dementia.
Agitation, wandering, or confusion are common in dementia, and they’re often messages, not problems.
Before reacting to a dementia patient, pause and ask: Is this pain, fear, hunger, boredom, or the need for reassurance? A calm voice, a quieter space, a familiar routine, and gentle redirection can make a big difference. Sometimes the best care is not correction, it is comfort.
Often, agitation arises because we spend too much time telling them "no" or trying to make them conform to our sense of reality. This can feel restrictive and confusing to the senior, leading to frustration: "What do you mean I'm not allowed? I’m an adult!" Rather than arguing or correcting, the key is to rephrase and communicate empathetically, joining them in their experience rather than challenging it. This approach can reduce agitation and foster a more peaceful connection.
