When Reasoning No Longer Works by Angel Smits

Author:Angel Smits [Smits, BS, Gerontology, Angel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Parker Hayden Media

Probably the hallmark behavior of dementia, and more specifically Alzheimer’s disease, is wandering. That behavior where the person seems to be in constant motion, going to some unidentifiable place. They can’t be reasoned with. They sometimes don’t even seem to realize you’re there. They are often unstoppable.

It is the one behavior which can force institutionalization. Locked and secured units were designed for Alzheimer’s victims and were created specifically to deal with this behavior.

No medication can stop wandering, and few interventions will alleviate it. It is a stage of the disease which is only resolved when the next stage of decline arrives and the body is physically unable to move anymore. Even then, there are times the body and brain don’t get the message, and the person continues to try to get up and wander.

Injuries are common and should be expected.

In an earlier scene with Rose and Lou, Rose left him in a public place, getting separated in a strange place which can happen to anyone at different times.

Wandering doesn’t happen only in strange places. It is a behavior that can occur in familiar places such as the home. It can be aimless wandering within the house, or wandering away from it in search of something or someone. Sometimes, it is even in the search of “home.” In these cases, home isn’t a place but a feeling they are looking for.

Just as with other behaviors we’ve discussed previously, wandering has triggers which can be identified. Patterns can be documented, and a plan created to help alleviate the need to wander.

A term coined by those working in Alzheimer’s care is Sundowning. This is a term used to describe the phenomenon of increased behaviors and emotional upheavals that occur as the day fades into evening. Wandering is often one of the behaviors most strongly affected by Sundowning.

Oftentimes, wandering increases or begins at this time of day. Other behaviors, such as combativeness, also increase at this time.

Many factors may contribute to Sundowning. Late afternoon is where the day winds down. Fatigue affects many of us, and increases our irritability.

Traditionally, it is also a time when our day is over; we head home from work, shift gears, and move at a different pace. It may be difficult for a dementia victim, who still thinks they should be shifting gears later in the day as well. The pace doesn’t seem to change as it should. They may wonder when they get to end their day. The cognitive decline makes then unable to realize they are now retired, their children are gone, and they no longer have the responsibilities they left behind.

It’s important for caregivers to understand that wandering is a behavior to expect and to prepare for. It may or may not occur. Not all dementia or Alzheimer’s victims wander. Many, however, do.

This behavior, just like all other behaviors, is not meant personally, and caregivers need to remind themselves not to take it that way. They aren’t trying to necessarily get away from you. They may be trying to get away from what you are trying to make them do, but it’s not you.

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