When a person with dementia is overstimulated by their environment, they often show clear signs of distress and agitation. These signs can include restlessness, pacing, and increased verbal outbursts such as shouting or crying. They may also become aggressive or display physical agitation like fidgeting or trying to leave the area. Sometimes, they might withdraw and become uncommunicative, or repeatedly ask to go home even if they are already there.
Overstimulation happens when the brain struggles to process too much sensory input, such as loud noises, bright or flickering lights, strong smells, or a busy, chaotic environment. Because dementia affects parts of the brain responsible for filtering and managing sensory information, patients can become overwhelmed more easily than others. This can lead to behaviors like agitation, aggression, or confusion.
Other signs include increased irritability, restlessness, and behaviors that worsen at certain times of day, especially in the late afternoon or evening—a phenomenon known as sundowning. During these times, patients may become more anxious or disoriented, which can be triggered by environmental factors like low lighting or noise.
Physical signs of discomfort linked to overstimulation might also appear, such as rubbing or pulling at the body, facial expressions showing pain or fear, or changes in appetite and sleep patterns. These can sometimes be mistaken for other issues but often relate to the person’s difficulty coping with their surroundings.
Recognizing these signs early is important because overstimulation can cause significant distress for the person with dementia and make caregiving more challenging. Creating a calm, predictable environment with minimal noise, soft lighting, and familiar objects can help reduce overstimulation and improve their comfort and mood.
