Why Do Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients Wander?

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Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are widespread neurological illnesses that affect millions of individuals worldwide. Memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes are all possible indications of these illnesses. Wandering is one of the most worrying behaviors connected with these illnesses. Wandering can be hazardous for people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease since it puts them at risk of becoming lost or hurt. In this post, we’ll look at why people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease wander and what carers may do to keep them safe.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Dementia is a broad word that refers to a set of neurological illnesses that impair cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease impair memory, thinking, and behavior, and as these symptoms worsen, people may struggle with daily duties, communication, and self-care.

Wandering is a common symptom of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, up to 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point. Wandering is defined as aimless or purposeless movement around the home or outside. Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease patients may wander for a variety of reasons, including:

Perplexity and Disorientation

Individuals suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may become disoriented and confused, leading to wandering. They may lose track of where they are or where they intend to go, causing them to wander aimlessly.

Looking for Recognisable Places or People

Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease patients may roam in search of familiar persons or locations. They could be looking for their home, their workplace, or a deceased loved one.

Boredom or Agitation

Individuals suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may wander as a result of boredom or restlessness. They may be bored or agitated, or they may be looking for something to do.

Physical Activity Is Needed

Individuals suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may wander because they require physical activity. They may have a strong need to travel or move about, which may lead to wandering.

Sundowning

Sundowning is a symptom of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease that occurs in certain people. It refers to an increase in agitation, bewilderment, and roaming that happens frequently in the late afternoon or evening.

Preventing Wandering in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients

Wandering can be hazardous for people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease since it puts them at risk of becoming lost or hurt. Carers can prevent straying by doing the following:

Maintaining Home Safety and Security

Carers must ensure that the home is safe and secure for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Installing locks on doors and windows, removing tripping hazards, and utilising childproof latches on cupboards and drawers are some examples.

Providing Supervision and Assistance

Individuals suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease should be closely monitored and supported by carers. This may involve the use of alarms or monitoring systems, companionship, and the establishment of a routine.

Promoting Physical Activity

Individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease should be encouraged to engage in physical activity by carers. This could include going for walks or doing other low-impact workouts.

Addressing the Root Causes

Any underlying issues that may be leading to wandering behavior should be addressed by carers. Addressing anxiety or sadness, treating underlying medical issues, and giving sensory stimulation are all examples of what this entails.

Conclusion

Wandering is a common symptom of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals suffering from these diseases may wander for a variety of reasons, such as disorientation, boredom, or a need for physical activity. Carers can prevent straying by making their home safe and secure, giving supervision and support, encouraging physical exercise, and treating underlying difficulties.

To summarize, wandering is a common behavior related to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and it can be dangerous for people suffering from these diseases. Carers can help prevent straying by dealing with underlying concerns, increasing physical exercise, offering supervision and support, and keeping the household safe and secure. Understanding why people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease roam allows carers to better anticipate and prevent wandering behavior, which can enhance the safety and quality of life for people with these disorders.

SenSights Software

SenSights is a Remote Patient Monitoring and Ageing Solution that aids seniors and healthcare facilities that work with elders who have chronic disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, high blood pressure, falls, COPD, long COVID, and others.

The solution assists at-risk providers, skilled nursing facilities, long-term living communities, home health care providers, and other senior care entities in increasing their capacity by supplementing physical visits with virtual care, preventing wandering and fall episodes, and providing proactive monitoring, risk profiles, and smart alerts via our SenSights Care app.

Clear MD is one of our innovative technologies that helps doctors and patients by summarizing conversations and giving thorough notes and reports. This saves doctors time and effort, allowing them to free up resources and provide a greater level of treatment.