Dementia-related behavioral symptoms are changes in mood, sleep, or behavior that can appear as memory loss progresses. Agitation, anxiety, suspicion, or seeing things others do not may be part of that change. These symptoms are hard for the person and for the people caring for them. A sudden shift, especially after an infection or a medicine change, should be checked promptly. Dr. Ijeoma Mbionwu, DNP, PMHNP-BC, listens to the caregiver and, when possible, to the person at home as well.
Restlessness, pacing, or distress during care can appear when the person cannot settle.
Anxiety, sadness, or a shorter temper may show up more often than they used to.
Nights may turn restless. Late-day confusion can make evening care harder.
The person may hide items or believe others are taking things, with little clear reason.
They may see or hear things others do not. That can be frightening for everyone nearby.
Wandering, resistance to bathing, or a change in habits can disrupt the household routine.
Meals, dressing, and bathing may take longer when distress rises during hands-on care at home.
Arguments help little. A calm voice and a familiar routine are often easier to follow.
Broken nights wear on the caregiver as well as the person who cannot stay asleep.
Leaving the house, the stove, or driving can become safety questions, not just habits.
Behavior is often a signal, not a choice. Pain, infection, hunger, or a new medicine can sit underneath agitation. A quiet room and a steady daily rhythm may reduce some distress. Medicine may be discussed when safety or severe distress remains. Geriatric mental health care can look at the wider picture. A Medicare cognitive assessment may also be discussed when a written plan is needed. A caregiver’s own sleep matters, too. Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
Care looks at the person and the caregiver: sleep, pain, medicines, relationships, physical health, and daily limits. The plan is personalized and evidence-based, from a board-certified PMHNP, in Orlando or by telehealth across Florida.
A visit reviews the behavior, recent health changes, medicines, sleep, and home safety.
Medicines are reviewed for side effects. A change is discussed only when it fits the risk.
Caregivers can talk through what triggers distress and what has already been tried at home.
Follow-up can include the family and updates when sleep, safety, or behavior shifts.
The visit starts with what changed, when it happens, and what the day looks like at home.
From there, options are discussed that fit the person's health and the caregiver's capacity.
Later visits leave room for questions and for changes in sleep, safety, or distress at home.
If a loved one’s agitation, anxiety, or sleeplessness is wearing the household down, Schedule Your Appointment or Call 407-616-1691. Visits are in Orlando or by telehealth across Florida. If you are in crisis now, call or text 988 or call 911.
Getting started with StarMaris is simple. Please complete the forms below before your first appointment to help us provide timely, personalized psychiatric care. Referring providers can submit patient referrals securely online. For questions, call us at 407-616-1691.