If you're caring for a parent, partner or relative with Alzheimer's disease, you may be managing changes that affect more than just memory. Behavioral changes — such as increased restlessness, hallucinations or delusions and wandering — often referred to as agitation and psychosis, are caused by changes in the brain. These symptoms can appear early and may worsen over time. It's important to remember that these changes often show up uniquely in each person. Recognizing what you're seeing can make each day feel more manageable.

Common behavioral changes and what can help

Behavioral symptoms, such as psychosis and agitation, affect about 70% of people living with Alzheimer's disease. When these symptoms appear, gentle routines and small environmental changes can help support both you and your loved one. Additional resources are available at NavigatingALZ.com.

Common Alzheimer's disease symptoms

Psychosis

• What you may see
  • Insisting there's a stranger in the room when no one is there
  • Believing someone is stealing from them
  • Talking to or hearing people others cannot see or hear
• What helps
  • Don't argue or try to correct
  • Acknowledge feelings: "I can understand that is frustrating. Let me help you."
  • Redirect to calming activities like music, photos or a comfort object (blanket, doll, pet)

Agitation

• What you may see
  • Becoming easily upset or irritable
  • Pacing or aimless wandering
  • Restlessness
  • Refusing meals/care
  • Yelling, pushing or hitting
  • Repetitive mannerisms or actions
• What helps
  • Speak slowly and calmly
  • Offer simple choices ("Tea or water?")
  • Redirect to familiar, comforting activities
  • Check for physical needs (hunger, pain, bathroom, temperature)
  • Reduce noise and use soft lighting
  • Ensure glasses and hearing aids are on

Looking ahead: Advancing Alzheimer's disease care

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease is physically and emotionally demanding. These challenges are one of the many reasons why Alzheimer's disease research and clinical trials are so important — to better understand the disease and help identify potential therapies that may meaningfully benefit patients and their families. Researchers at Bristol Myers Squibb are conducting clinical trials to study investigational therapies for Alzheimer's disease. Through participation in studies across the country, people living with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers can contribute to research that helps make new treatments a reality.

To learn how clinical trials work, who may qualify and what participation looks like, visit NavigatingALZ.com.