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Agitation in Alzheimer's dementia

Understanding agitation in Alzheimer's dementia

While they have similar names, agitation in Alzheimer's dementia is different than Alzheimer's dementia.1

Agitation in Alzheimer's dementia overview

Alzheimer's dementia and agitation in Alzheimer's dementia are two different conditions. Even if someone has Alzheimer's dementia, agitation in Alzheimer's dementia requires its own diagnosis. It’s an extremely troubling condition that can cause someone to act out in ways that are out of character for them.1

See symptoms

Facts about agitation in Alzheimer's dementia

Nearly 50%

of people living with Alzheimer's dementia may experience agitation.1-2

Despite its prevalence, agitation is often underrecognized by family caregivers and underdiagnosed by healthcare providers.1

Symptoms of agitation in Alzheimer's dementia

There are many potential symptoms of agitation in Alzheimer's dementia, and it’s important to keep in mind that symptoms manifest differently in every person. Symptoms of agitation in Alzheimer's dementia can be categorized into three distinct categories.

  • Screaming
  • Complaining
  • Constant requests for attention
  • Being negative
  • Emotional outbursts
  • Strange noises (unwarranted laughter, crying)
  • Inappropriate language (e.g., cursing or sexual advances)
  • Repetitive questions and sentences

  • Biting
  • Hitting self and/or others
  • Kicking
  • Hurting self and/or others
  • Other inappropriate physical behaviors (e.g., sexual advances, spitting, scratching, slamming doors)
  • Destroying things
  • Throwing things
  • Resisting help

  • Pacing/rocking
  • Jumpiness
  • Inappropriate social behavior/pointing
  • Irritability
  • Shakiness
  • Repetitive mannerisms
  • Wandering
  • Restlessness
  • Hoarding

For their next appointment

If you're seeing these symptoms in a loved one, download this checklist to fill out for their next appointment.

Download checklist

Prevalence and impact

Millions of people living with Alzheimer's dementia may develop agitation symptoms. Symptoms of this condition can present through a range of behaviors, both aggressive and non-aggressive. Although agitation is widespread among those with Alzheimer's dementia, behaviors like these are often overlooked or misunderstood as symptoms of just Alzheimer's dementia.1-4 

 

Navigating this condition places a significant burden on caregivers. Building a support system is crucial.5

People who are concerned that their loved one is experiencing symptoms of agitation in Alzheimer's dementia should speak with their healthcare provider for help and advice.

Facts about caregiving for people with dementia

Over 11m

Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias.3

70%

of dementia caregivers say that coordinating care is stressful. Two-thirds also have difficulty finding resources and support for their needs.3

53%

It is estimated that the vast majority of caregivers to older adults living in community settings of people with dementia were female. More than 53% were between the ages of 45 and 64.4

Diagnosis and care

Alzheimer's dementia primarily impacts cognitive abilities, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, disorientation, and overall mental confusion. When agitation in Alzheimer's dementia occurs, noticeable changes in behavior can arise. The person may develop out-of-character behaviors like restlessness, irritability, or even hitting, screaming, or swearing, adding further challenges for both them and their caregivers.1,4

 

Healthcare providers rely on family members and caregivers to recognize and report behaviors and potential symptoms.

 

This is a treatable condition. Care is separate from management of Alzheimer's disease, but options are available to help reduce symptoms.

Symptoms of agitation may be prevalent in patients, even those in early or mild stages of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.    

56%

of patients with mild dementia experience symptoms of agitation.2

63%

of patients with moderate dementia experience symptoms of agitation.2

68%

of patients with severe dementia experience symptoms of agitation.2

  1. Sano M, Cummings J, Auer S, et al. Agitation in cognitive disorders: Progress in the International Psychogeriatric Association consensus clinical and research definition. Int Psychogeriatr. 2024;36(4):1-13. doi:10.1017/S1041610222001041.
  2. Halpern R, Seare J, Tong J, Hartry A, Olaoye A, Aigbogun MS. Using electronic health records to estimate the prevalence of agitation in Alzheimer disease/dementia. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019;34(3):420-431. doi:10.1002/gps.5030.
  3. Anatchkova M, Brooks A, Swett L, et al. Agitation in patients with dementia: a systematic review of epidemiology and association with severity and course. Int Psychogeriatr. 2019;31(9):1305-1318. doi:10.1017/S1041610218001898.
  4. Alzheimer's Association. 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimers Dement. 2024;20(5):1-149.
  5. Alzheimers.gov. Tips for Caregivers and Families of People With Dementia. Alzheimers.gov. Updated May 13, 2024. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers.

  1. Halpern R, Seare J, Tong J, Hartry A, Olaoye A, Aigbogun MS. Using electronic health records to estimate the prevalence of agitation in Alzheimer disease/dementia. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019;34(3):420-431. doi:10.1002/gps.5030.
  2. Anatchkova M, Brooks A, Swett L, et al. Agitation in patients with dementia: a systematic review of epidemiology and association with severity and course. Int Psychogeriatr. 2019;31(9):1305-1318. doi:10.1017/S1041610218001898.
  3. Alzheimer's Association. 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimers Dement. 2024;20(5):1-149.
  4. Office of the Assistant Secretary of Planning and Evaluation. A Profile of Older Adults with Dementia and Their Caregivers. ASPE. Published January 23, 2019. Accessed December 11, 2014. https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/profile-older-adults-dementia-their-caregivers-issue-brief-0. 

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