A graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Dr. Lauren Bonner completed her fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at the University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Lauren Bonner has written several research papers that focused on investigating medical interventions for treating dementia-related agitation.
As dementia progresses, symptoms such as agitation and aggressive behavior can intensify. People in an agitated state may become restless and combative and can be a danger to themselves and others. Agitated behavior is often triggered by a combination of psycho-emotional and environmental factors. Most experts believe it arises due to the degeneration of brain areas associated with emotional regulation.
Caregivers who notice a person becoming agitated should assess any change or stimulation in the environment, such as unfamiliar people. Agitation can also arise due to physical discomfort or underlying depression or anxiety. Medical doctors may prescribe antipsychotic medications or sedatives to manage symptoms.
As dementia progresses, symptoms such as agitation and aggressive behavior can intensify. People in an agitated state may become restless and combative and can be a danger to themselves and others. Agitated behavior is often triggered by a combination of psycho-emotional and environmental factors. Most experts believe it arises due to the degeneration of brain areas associated with emotional regulation.
Caregivers who notice a person becoming agitated should assess any change or stimulation in the environment, such as unfamiliar people. Agitation can also arise due to physical discomfort or underlying depression or anxiety. Medical doctors may prescribe antipsychotic medications or sedatives to manage symptoms.
