10 Triggers for Wandering in Dementia

Dementia is a debilitating disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It not only affects the memory but also causes changes in mood, behavior, and communication skills. Wandering is one of the most dangerous and common behaviors associated with dementia. It can lead to injury, death, and a lot of stress for caregivers. In this blog post, I talk about the triggers for wandering in dementia and how to prevent it.

What is Wandering in Dementia?

Wandering is a behavior characterized by aimless or repetitive movements, without a clear purpose or destination. It can take many forms, such as pacing, walking in circles, leaving home without a plan, or getting lost in unfamiliar surroundings. 

Wandering is particularly dangerous for people with dementia, as they may not remember where they are or how to get back home. They may also become disoriented, confused, and agitated, leading to a higher risk of falls, accidents, and injury.

Triggers for Wandering in Dementia

1. Feeling Lost or Disoriented

One common trigger for wandering in dementia is feeling lost or disoriented. For example, imagine an elderly woman with dementia who gets up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. She may become confused or disoriented and wander around the house, looking for the bathroom or trying to find her way back to bed.

2. Boredom or Lack of Stimulation

Another trigger for wandering in dementia is boredom or lack of stimulation. For instance, a man with dementia who used to be an avid gardener may become restless and agitated if he no longer has access to his garden. Without stimulating activities or hobbies, he may wander in search of something to do.

3. Unmet Needs

Unmet needs can also trigger wandering in dementia. For example, an elderly man with dementia who is hungry or thirsty may wander around the house, looking for food or water. Similarly, a woman with dementia who is in pain or discomfort may wander around in search of relief.

4. Confusion or Memory Loss

Confusion and memory loss are hallmark symptoms of dementia and can trigger wandering in some individuals. For instance, a man with dementia who forgets where he is or what he is supposed to be doing may wander in search of familiar surroundings or routine activities.

5. Changes in Routine or Environment

Changes in routine or environment can also trigger wandering in dementia. For example, a woman with dementia who is moved to a new care facility or taken on vacation may become disoriented and wander around in search of familiar surroundings.

6. Side Effects of Medications

Some medications used to treat dementia or other health conditions can have side effects that trigger wandering. For instance, a woman with dementia who is taking a medication that causes drowsiness or confusion may wander around in a disoriented state.

7. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances are common in people with dementia and can trigger wandering behavior. For example, a man with dementia who experiences frequent nighttime awakenings may become disoriented and wander around in the dark.

8. Fear or Anxiety

Fear or anxiety can also trigger wandering in some individuals with dementia. For instance, a woman with dementia who is afraid of a thunderstorm or unfamiliar noise may wander around in search of safety or reassurance.

9. Unfamiliar Surroundings

Unfamiliar surroundings can also trigger wandering behavior. For example, an elderly man with dementia who is taken to a new doctor’s office or hospital may become disoriented and wander around in search of familiar surroundings.

10. Desire for Independence

Finally, some individuals with dementia may wander to assert their independence or control over their surroundings. For example, a woman with dementia who is used to being in charge of her own life may wander in an attempt to take back control and feel more independent.

These are just a few real-life examples of triggers for wandering in dementia. By understanding these triggers and taking steps to prevent wandering, caregivers can help ensure the safety and well-being of their loved ones with dementia.

10 Real-Life Examples To Help You Understand the Situation Better 

1. Mary is an 80-year-old woman with early-stage dementia. She lives alone in her home and enjoys walking in her neighborhood. However, lately, Mary has been wandering more frequently and getting lost. Her daughter, who lives out of town, visited and noticed that Mary’s home was cluttered and disorganized, which may be causing her stress and confusion.

2. Tom is a 75-year-old man with mid-stage dementia. He lives in a care facility and enjoys participating in group activities. However, Tom has been wandering more frequently and leaving the facility without permission. Staff members discovered that Tom’s medication dosage was incorrect, causing him to feel restless and disoriented.

3. Emma is a 90-year-old woman with advanced-stage dementia. She lives in a nursing home and enjoys spending time with her family. However, Emma has been wandering more frequently and getting agitated. Her family discovered that Emma’s hearing aid was not working properly, causing her to feel frustrated and confused.

4. Jack is an 85-year-old man with mid-stage dementia. He lives with his wife in their home and enjoys reading and watching TV. However, Jack has been wandering more frequently and becoming lost. His wife noticed that Jack’s sleep schedule was irregular, causing him to feel tired and disoriented during the day.

5. Alice is an 85-year-old woman with early-stage dementia. She lives in a retirement community and enjoys playing cards with her friends. However, Alice has been wandering more frequently and forgetting where she is. Her friends noticed that Alice’s glasses were missing, causing her to have difficulty seeing and feeling disoriented.

6. Peter is a 70-year-old man with mid-stage dementia. He lives in a care facility and enjoys taking walks outside. However, Peter has been wandering more frequently and becoming agitated. Staff members discovered that Peter’s room was too hot, causing him to feel uncomfortable and restless.

7. Karen is a 78-year-old woman with early-stage dementia. She lives with her daughter and enjoys cooking and baking. However, Karen has been wandering more frequently and forgetting important tasks. Her daughter noticed that Karen’s kitchen was cluttered, causing her to feel overwhelmed and confused.

8. David is an 80-year-old man with mid-stage dementia. He lives in a care facility and enjoys listening to music. However, David has been wandering more frequently and becoming anxious. Staff members discovered that David’s favorite music was not available, causing him to feel frustrated and disoriented.

9. Rose is an 85-year-old woman with advanced-stage dementia. She lives in a nursing home and enjoys looking at family photos. However, Rose has been wandering more frequently and becoming agitated. Her family discovered that Rose’s hearing aid batteries were dead, causing her to feel frustrated and confused.

10. James is a 75-year-old man with early-stage dementia. He lives with his wife and enjoys working in his garden. However, James has been wandering more frequently and getting lost. His wife noticed that James was not eating enough, causing him to feel weak and disoriented.

What does the research say?

In this study, the researchers were trying to understand something called “wandering” in people with dementia. You see, wandering is when someone with dementia starts walking around aimlessly without any clear reason. It’s like they’re on a journey, but they don’t know where they’re going.

To figure out more about this wandering behavior, the researchers searched for information in places like Medline and Google Scholar. They were looking for articles, chapters, and books that had been published since way back in 1975. They used words like ‘wandering,’ ‘behavioral and psychological symptoms,’ ‘dementia,’ ‘nursing,’ and ‘elopements’ to find this information.

After finding these sources, they looked through them to see if they could find more references that would help them learn even more. So, they were kind of like detectives searching for clues about why people with dementia wander.

Now, let’s talk about why wandering is important to understand. Wandering can be a big problem for people with dementia and those who take care of them, like family members or nursing home staff. Imagine if your grandma or grandpa with dementia suddenly started walking around the neighborhood without knowing where they were. That would be really scary, right? Wandering can lead to bad things happening, and it’s a major reason why some people with dementia end up in nursing homes.

The tricky part is that we don’t really know why people with dementia wander. It’s like a mystery that hasn’t been solved yet. But the researchers think that maybe if we can treat other problems that people with dementia might have, like feeling sad or anxious, it could help reduce wandering.

So, in simple words, this study was all about trying to understand why people with dementia wander and how we can help them and their caregivers deal with this challenging behavior. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle to make life better for people with dementia and their families.

Preventing Wandering in Dementia

Maintain a Structured Routine

Maintaining a structured routine can help reduce disorientation and boredom in people with dementia. A consistent routine can provide a sense of familiarity and predictability, making it easier for them to understand their surroundings and stay engaged in daily activities. A structured routine can include regular meal times, exercise, social activities, and a consistent bedtime.

Provide Adequate Stimulation

Providing adequate stimulation can help reduce boredom and restlessness in people with dementia. Activities that are mentally, physically, or socially stimulating can include things like puzzles, music, art, exercise, and conversation. It’s important to find activities that are appropriate for the person’s cognitive and physical abilities, as well as their interests.

Ensure Basic Needs are Met

Ensuring basic needs are met can help reduce the risk of wandering in people with dementia. Make sure they have access to food, water, and a bathroom at all times. Check to see if they are feeling hot, cold, or uncomfortable, and adjust the environment accordingly. If they are experiencing pain or discomfort, speak with their doctor to determine if medication or other interventions are necessary.

Create a Safe Environment

Creating a safe environment can help reduce the risk of injury or accidents in people with dementia. Install locks on doors and windows, remove tripping hazards, and install handrails or grab bars in areas where they may need assistance. Use a monitoring system or alarm to alert you if they wander out of the house or into unsafe areas.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Communicating clearly and effectively can help reduce the risk of unmet needs in people with dementia. Use simple, direct language and avoid talking down to them or using complicated sentences. Give them plenty of time to process information and ask clarifying questions if necessary. Use visual cues, such as pictures or signs, to help them understand their surroundings and locate important items.

Conclusion

Wandering in dementia can be frightening and dangerous behavior for both the person with dementia and their caregivers. By understanding the triggers for wandering and taking steps to prevent it, we can help reduce the risk of injury, accidents, and stress. 

Maintaining a structured routine, providing adequate stimulation, ensuring basic needs are met, creating a safe environment, and communicating clearly and effectively are all important strategies for preventing wandering in dementia.

Have you ever cared for someone with dementia who wandered? What strategies have you used to prevent wandering and keep them safe? Let’s start a discussion in the comments section below.