Harnessing Creativity to Ease Alzheimer’s Agitation

Is agitation one of the most troubling symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease for your loved one? It can be tough to know what to do, but there are some unique ways to ease the tension.

Remember, the behavior is part of the disease and a form of communication, often triggered by relatively minor events, says Sam Fazio, PhD, senior director of quality care and psychosocial research at the Alzheimer’s Association. So, it’s time to think outside the box to bring calm to your loved one.

Alzheimer’s disease can take away thinking, memory, and communication skills. But creativity, imagination, and emotions are often strong even into the middle and late stages of the disease. “Using art, music, or another favorite activity to stay connected to someone living with dementia can have several potential benefits,” Fazio says.

• Help with anxiety, agitation, aggression, and overall mood
• Keep the person’s brain engaged
• Engage them socially 
• Lessen isolation 

Music therapy can’t reverse the loss of brain function. But it can make the most out of what is left, according to the American Music Therapy Association. Whether you listen to music, make it, or move to it, music can decrease agitation and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

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