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Tips on Handling Mood Changes from Someone Living with Dementia

November 16, 2022
Living with dementia can be a challenging experience, as it often causes significant changes in mood and behavior. If you are the caregiver for someone living with dementia, there are some tips that can help you better manage these changes and provide them with the support they need.
 
1. Understand the underlying causes of mood changes in someone living with dementia. Dementia can cause a range of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that may cause an individual to experience sudden or frequent mood changes. Some common causes of these changes include chemical imbalances in the brain, disruptions in sleep patterns, and feelings of frustration or confusion about their condition.
 

2. Pay attention to early warning signs.

If you notice that your loved one is experiencing any significant mood changes or shifts, it's important to take note and address them as soon as possible. Some red flags to look out for include anxiety, anger, fatigue, depression, agitation, withdrawal from social activities or conversations, wandering behavior, and food cravings or aversions.
 

3. Establish a regular routine.

By creating a schedule and sticking to it as much as possible, you can help reduce disruptions in your loved one's mood and make things easier for them to navigate daily. This may include scheduling activities at certain times of day, such as meals or exercise, or setting up consistent sleep patterns.
 

4. Seek professional support if needed.

If you find that your loved one's mood changes are having a significant impact on their quality of life or well-being, consider seeking professional help from a doctor or mental health specialist who can advise you on the best ways to manage these shifts going forward.
 

5. Be patient and compassionate.

It's important to remember that while mood changes can be difficult and challenging to deal with, they are a normal part of the dementia experience. Try to remain patient and understanding towards your loved one and offer them as much support and encouragement as you can. This will help ensure that they feel safe, comfortable, and cared for throughout their journey living with dementia.​
 

Seek Professional Support from BrightStar Care The Woodands

At BrightStar Care, we understand the challenges that come with managing mood changes in a loved one with dementia. Our experienced caregivers are trained in strategies and techniques to help reduce stress and promote calmness and wellbeing in individuals living with dementia. Some of these strategies include promoting regular sleep patterns, providing opportunities for social interaction and engagement, and encouraging positive activities that can help improve mood.
 
If you or your loved one is struggling with the effects of dementia-related mood changes, contact BrightStar Care today at 281-367-7827 to learn more about our services and how we can help. We are proud to serve families in communities throughout Texas, including Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, and more. With BrightStar Care N. Houston/The Woodlands as your partner, you can rest assured that your loved one is receiving the support and care they need to live their best life possible.