It's been a year of my husband always on the brink of agitation/anger. He is more afflicted with the dementia rather than the physical symptoms.

Besides addressing the symptoms with medication, we can do alot with our home management to decrease the severity of the agitation/anger.

1. Don't argue, disagree or question "why" if t all possible. I've learned a hundred ways to just go with the flow.....

2. Establish a routiene and stick to it.

3. Keep the home as quiet and well lit (yes, even in the daytime) as possible.

4. Try to address their boredom - go for rides in the car, walks, schedule visitors (less surprises the better).

5. Don't give "forewarnings" of upcoming events such as MD appts, parties, shopping trips, vacations, etc... until you absolutely have to. Early warnings mean they may fixate on the anticipated event. Who needs that?

6. Don't give choices. Make all decisions for them right down to side dishes at meals, clothes etc...

7. Try to get them to nap when they're cranky

8. If they're getting "worked up" DIVERT their attention to something else, change the subject, change the "scenery" take them somewhere.

9. Lastly...Super Wal Mart semed to calm my husband down! It was positively mind numbing for both of us.

Sue In WV

I strongly agree with a few points so far in my husband illness. Don't\
give him a choice in matters and also don't let them know about
upcoming events because they get extremely agitated and worry, etc.

Thanks for sharing

Fran