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Emotions

Dealing with mood changes in a person living with dementia

Dementia can bring fast-changing moods. Understanding this is helpful when you’re caring for someone.

When we think about dementia symptoms, we tend to think about memory loss. However, the symptoms of dementia are more complex than simply forgetting things, and can also affect people in different ways.

Dementia is a disease of the brain which means the person you’re caring for can struggle to make judgements and decisions, formulate words and process information. Some of the more challenging symptoms of dementia can include mood swings and swift changes in emotion.

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What do mood changes look like?

When someone is initially diagnosed with dementia it’s normal for them to experience a range of emotions. This might include, numbness, shock, anger, denial, anxiety, fear, depression and even relief.

However, as the disease progresses regular changes or shifts in emotion might arise. When you’re caring for someone with dementia it’s common to witness:

  • Mood swings

  • Anger

  • Challenging behaviour 

The person you’re caring for may appear highly emotional, where once they might not have been. Or they might cycle through extremes of emotions, so one minute they seem happy but the next tearful, seemingly for no reason. However, to the person with dementia, there will be a reason for the sudden shift in mood. 

Causes of mood changes

We know that dementia can cause damage to different parts of the brain which can lead to varied and wide-ranging symptoms. It can also affect a part of the brain called the amygdala, which processes emotions and records reactions. <Link to ‘Dementia and the brain’ article>.

For example, in the case of vascular dementia, damaged blood vessels can mean cells don’t get enough blood and become starved of oxygen and nutrients, and die.

When you take all of this into consideration, it’s easy to understand why the person with dementia may become frustrated, restless and moody on occasions, especially if they’re unable to communicate very well. 

Other reasons a person with dementia may experience negative emotions are:

  • Pain – they may be unable to tell you they are in pain or if they can tell you, they may not be able to describe what’s wrong. Signs of discomfort can include a change in walking pattern, being hunched over, grimacing or being pale or sweaty.

    Ask if the person is in pain. If they say yes and can’t describe where the pain is or how it feels, their GP might be able to prescribe a general analgesia for mild to moderate pain.

  • Feeling hungry or thirsty – the person may not be able to tell you they need something to eat or drink. Dehydration can cause confusion, so ensure they have plenty to drink and other small, easily digestible snacks.

  • An infection – urinary tract infections can be common in elderly people with dementia and can cause increased confusion. It’s important they see their GP as soon as possible.

  • Boredom – the person may have been very sociable before their dementia and may now be more withdrawn. Or they may miss hobbies they used to enjoy. See if you can find local groups for socialising – you can find groups in your area here <Link to What’s on>. Or why not invite a friend over for a catch up.

  • Fatigue – if they had a bad night’s sleep, going for a short nap might help their mood  although ideally not too late in the day so it doesn’t prevent them from sleeping at night.

Dealing with difficult emotions and mood swings

When you communicate with a person with dementia, try to do it in a way that makes them feel safe, loved and secure. Be aware of your tone of voice. Speak calmly and with compassion. Tell them you’re there to support them and hold their hand if they find this comforting.

If the person seems angry and you don’t know why, here are some things you can try to help calm them:

  • Try to identify why they might be angry (see the checklist, above). Are they struggling to say something or perform a task – is it frustration? Offer guidance if they are finding something hard, but don’t completely take over.

  • Sit calmly with them and hold their hand if they find it comforting, but only if they are open to physical contact. 

  • If it’s safe to do so, give them space. Walk away and do something else.

  • Try not to take it personally, even if the person says nasty things to you. It’s usually the disease talking, not the person.

 

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Dementia and sundowning

Sundowning refers to a sudden change in mood and behaviour that usually affects a person with dementia in the afternoon or early evening. It has been suggested that it could be due to chemical changes in the brain. The person can become more stressed or agitated at this time. Try to distract the person at this time of day, perhaps by going out for a walk together or putting on some music.

Chat to others

If you find coping dementia mood swings challenging, you’re not alone. In our forums you’ll find people who understand exactly how you’re feeling – join the chat here <Link to Conversations>.

There are also support groups local to you where you can meet other carers in person – find one here <Link to What’s on>. Finally, it’s helpful to acknowledge that as a carer you might be experiencing your own difficult thoughts and feelings. Read our article about the importance of self-care here <Link to Your Self Care – Mental Health>.

 

 

Sources:

https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/specialist-diagnosis-and-support/emotional-impact-of-a-diagnosis/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/just-been-diagnosed/

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/understanding-supporting-person-dementia-psychological-emotional-impact

https://www.bacp.co.uk/bacp-journals/therapy-today/2022/july-august-2022/the-big-issue/