Agitation can be described as increased, often undirected, motor activity, restlessness, aggressiveness, and emotional distress. It may include nonaggressive behaviors such as pacing, repetitious movements, and general restlessness, or it may manifest as physically or verbally aggressive behaviors. It is one of the most distressing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and between 30% and 80% of people living with dementia, depending on the setting, experience agitation. Because of the wide-ranging potential negative impacts associated with agitation in Alzheimer’s disease (AAD), a person-centered, individualized approach to address AAD is a must. In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, we provide insights into AAD from the perspective of a professional caregiver and a family member whose loved one lives with AAD. They share how the condition impacts the person with Alzheimer’s disease and those around them and offer strategies to prevent and address troubling behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia associated with AAD.

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Guests:
Laura Medders, LCSW
Administrative Director, Emory Integrated Memory Care Clinic

Maureen Morrison
Care partner to her husband, Angus, who lives with Alzheimer's disease

Host:
Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE
Director of Strategic Alliances, The Gerontological Society of America

This podcast episode is supported by Otsuka. Content was developed by The Gerontological Society of America (GSA).