Agitation is a behavioral problem that frequently occurs in patients with dementia, according to the journal "American Family Physician". Agitation is characterized by physical or verbal outbursts, pacing, emotional distress, restlessness and...
A patient with a condition such as schizophrenia, dementia or Alzheimer's disease may not be able to communicate effectively at all times. These patients may become frustrated if they are unable to express basic needs or concerns. It's important...
Create a consistent daily schedule and stick to it as often as possible. A patient in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's may still recognize a daily routine and may begin to look forward to certain events. Look for low-stress activities...
If you notice a loved one is starting to act manic or having outbursts of rage, it's important to observe and record the frequency and severity of the incidents. Notice what time the outbursts occur, keeping in mind that many older patients tend...
Identify outbursts of anger and repetitive behavior patterns as agitation. Get a clinical assessment to be certain. Learn the signs and symptoms of agitation so you know when to expect them and how to handle them. Acute agitation is more...
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), between five and 20 percent of the U.S. population gets influenza each year. While most people with influenza complain of fever, fatigue and lethargy, in very rare cases, influenza infection...
Hyponatremia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of sodium. Sodium helps regulate the amount of water inside and around your cells. When your sodium levels become too low this causes the water levels in your body to increase and...
Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder, also known as ADHD, is a common psychological ailment that typically manifests during childhood. Children with this condition have problems with hyperactive behavior and with staying focused, which can lead...
Agitated depression is unique in that it does not consist of the typical depression symptoms of fatigue and sadness. This type of clinical depression can consist of feelings of irritation, restlessness, anger, insomnia, fidgeting, or racing...
Depression, with its many types and causes, is a complex subject. While most discussion focuses on either bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder (MDD), which is sometimes called "unipolar" depression, clinical references are also made to...
Financial and relationship problems can cause agitated depression. Agitated depression includes several forms. In psychotic depression, the person may see or hear things that do not exist. She may become easily agitated when having visual or...
Coffee contains caffeine, which increases wakefulness, sometimes to the point of agitation if you are a heavy coffee drinker or get large amounts of caffeine from other sources. People who enjoy coffee's taste but dislike its physical effects try...
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is an intestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, gas, bloating and altered bowel habits. People with IBS can have either constipation or diarrhea, and many individuals alternate between the two. By...
While caring for someone suffering from Alzheimer's disease can be rewarding, it can also prove very challenging. Confusion, disorientation, agitation, wandering and problems with sleep are common occurrences. Those who decide to try...
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition most notable for accompanying behaviors that can move from high moods to very low moods. According to Stanford School of Medicine, bipolar disorder currently affects 2.2 million people in the United...
Many, but not all, Alzheimer's patients experience behavioral and psychiatric symptoms. Some 5.3 million Americans suffer from the degenerative brain disorder, according to data on the Alzheimer's Association website in 2010. Personality changes...
A person can turn to drugs for various reasons, such as enjoyment of the high a drug produces or to self-medicate a serious problem such as depression. As a person uses more and more of a drug, it becomes abuse which may lead to drug dependence....
Vicodin is a medicine commonly prescribed for controlling moderate to severe pain. It is actually a formulation of two pain medications, acetaminophen and hydrocodone, that has a stronger effect than either of the medications alone. Hydrocodone is...
Depression is a mental disorder that affects the mind and the body. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), the symptoms of depression that affect the body include changes in sleep, fatigue, changes in...
The rabies virus typically infects humans once they are bitten by rabid animals. If left untreated, rabies is fatal. The Mayo Clinic notes that once a person starts exhibiting symptoms of a rabies infection, it already may be too late to prevent...
Studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute show that seniors can derive great emotional benefit from massage including relief from depression, anxiety, and the agitation associated with memory loss. Massage therapy also helps elders better...
The term schizophrenia defines a group of brain disorders that can cause hallucinations, delusional thinking and behavioral abnormalities. According to MayoClinic.com, the word schizophrenia means "split mind." Individuals with a form of...
Behavioral and psychotic symptoms of dementia (BPSD), including delusions, hallucinations, agitation and aggression, can all occur in people with Alzheimer's disease. They appear more often in the moderate to severe stages, and if they are not...
Opiates are a class of drugs that reduce pain and increase feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Some opiates have a place in medical treatment and some are used as illicit street drugs. In all cases, an individual's body will develop tolerance...
According to the Mayo Clinic, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that generally takes place during the fall and winter months. SAD can last for several months and is usually thought to be caused by a lack of exposure to...
Two common medications used as sleep aids are diphenhydramine and zolpidem. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that causes sleepiness and fatigue; it is the active ingredient in the over-the-counter allergy medicine, Benadryl. Zolpidem is the...
Aconite is thought to be a calming and healing homeopathic remedy that’s often recommended for surgery support, injuries, colds and flu. You might take aconite remedies either orally or topically to help treat these conditions. Consult a...
Vicodin is a drug used for controlling moderate to severe pain. It is combination of two medications, acetaminophen and hydrocodone, and delivers a stronger effect than either of the medications alone. The hydrocodone component is classified as a...
Lavender's native range in the rocky, mountainous areas around the Mediterranean contrasts with the plant's delicate color and fragrance. Dry lavender flowers are a favorite in potpourri, air-freshening sachets and even tea. Lavender essential oil...
Cardiogenic shock is the result of inadequate circulation of blood due to ventricle failure; learn about cardiogenic shock in this heart healthy video.
Stretching the groin is often overlooked and can lead to injury if not warmed up. Get tips on properly stretching this area from a former professional athlete in this free video.
