Can Anti-Anxiety Techniques Improve Dementia Symptoms
Anxiety is a common experience for people living with dementia. When someone has dementia, their brain changes in ways that can make them feel worried, scared, or uneasy. The good news is that managing anxiety can actually help improve other dementia symptoms and make daily life better for both the person with dementia and their caregivers.
Understanding the Connection Between Anxiety and Dementia
Research shows that anxiety and negative thinking can increase tau tangles in the brain, which are harmful structures associated with dementia. Some studies suggest that anxiety could increase the risk of developing dementia later in life. One major study found that people with anxiety had a 24 percent higher risk of dementia compared with people without anxiety. Anxiety has also been linked to faster progression of mild cognitive impairment, which is when someone experiences mild memory loss that doesn’t always affect their daily activities.
The relationship between anxiety and dementia works both ways. Not only can anxiety contribute to dementia risk, but dementia itself often causes anxiety. People with dementia may feel anxious because they are confused, scared of losing their memory, or uncomfortable in unfamiliar situations.
Finding and Addressing Anxiety Triggers
One of the most effective ways to manage anxiety in dementia is to identify what causes it. Different things trigger anxiety in different people. Some people feel anxious when they are alone, while others get worried when they are bored or in noisy environments. Once you know what triggers someone’s anxiety, you can take steps to reduce those triggers.
If a person with dementia feels anxious when alone, including them in social activities can help. If boredom causes anxiety, planning activities to keep their mind occupied works well. Creating a calm home environment with soft lighting and minimal noise can reduce agitation. Following a predictable daily routine also helps people with dementia feel more secure and less anxious.
Non-Medication Approaches to Managing Anxiety
Before turning to medications, there are many non-drug treatments that can calm someone with dementia. These approaches often work very well and do not come with the side effects that medications can cause.
Caregivers can use simple techniques like validation, distraction, and gentle touch to help someone who is feeling anxious. Cognitive behavioral therapy and music therapy have shown promise in helping some people with dementia manage their anxiety. Physical exercise programs tailored to what someone can do also help reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety.
Creating the right environment matters a lot. Soft lighting, minimal noise, and a comfortable space can make a big difference. A regular daily schedule helps people with dementia know what to expect, which reduces worry and fear.
When Medications Become Necessary
If non-drug treatments do not work well enough, doctors may prescribe medications to help manage anxiety. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety medications that doctors sometimes prescribe for short-term use. These drugs help people feel calmer and can improve sleep. However, these medications should only be used for a short time because frequent use can increase the risk of dementia.
Antidepressant medications can also help with anxiety in dementia. These take longer to work than benzodiazepines, usually taking three to six weeks before someone feels better. Doctors typically prescribe antidepressants for at least six months. Some antidepressants can help improve mood and control irritability and rapid mood swings that often happen with dementia.
In severe cases where someone is very agitated, violent, or having hallucinations, doctors may prescribe antipsychotic medications like risperidone or quetiapine. These are used as a last option when other treatments have not worked. These medications come with risks including increased stroke risk, falls, and heart problems, so doctors carefully weigh the benefits against the dangers.
Low doses of melatonin can help people with dementia fall asleep and wake up at regular times, which can reduce anxiety related to sleep problems.
Important Considerations About Anxiety Medications
While anti-anxiety medications can reduce anxiety symptoms and often improve quality of life, some of these drugs may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Benzodiazepines like alprazolam should generally be limited to as-needed use or once a month because frequent use can increase dementia risk. Anticholinergic medications, which have properties that block certain brain chemicals, have been linked to higher dementia risk when used in strong doses over long periods.
Any medication for anxiety can have side effects. It is important to talk with a doctor about what side effects might happen and to take medications exactly as prescribed. Doctors may also adjust medications if side effects are making anxiety worse.
The Bigger Picture of Dementia Care
Managing anxiety is just one part of treating dementia. Other treatments help with memory and thinking problems. Cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil help improve communication between nerve cells. Memantine is another medication that helps regulate brain activity and can reduce symptoms even in moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Newer treatments called monoclonal antibodies target the amyloid plaques that build up in Alzheimer’s brains. Anti-tau therapies aim to prevent tangles of tau protein. These newer treatments offer hope for slowing disease progression.
Beyond medications, supportive care is very important. Cognitive stimulation therapy helps strengthen memory and problem-solving. Occupational therapy helps people maintain independence in daily activities. Support groups for both patients and caregivers provide emotional support and practical help.
Working With Healthcare Providers
If a loved one with dementia shows signs of anxiety, talking to their healthcare team is essential. Doctors can help figure out what is causing the anxiety and what treatment approach will work best. The right treatment plan depends on the person’s stage of dementia, overall health, and what has worked or not worked in the past.
Healthcare providers can help identify whether anxiety is coming from pain, discomfort, unmet needs, or other medical problems. Sometimes treating the underlying cause of anxiety is more effective than treating the anxiety itself.
Sources
https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/treatment-and-management-dementia