Possible Causes of Challenging Behavior

• Physical/Emotional Health
  • Medication
  • Impaired hearing and/or vision
  • Acute illness
  • Chronic illness
  • Dehydration
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Physical discomfort

• Environment
  • Too large
  • Too much clutter
  • Excessive stimulation
  • No information or cues given
  • Poor sensory environment
  • Unstructured environment
  • Unfamiliar environment

• Task
  • Too complicated
  • Too many combined steps
  • Not modified for increasing impairments
  • Task may be unfamiliar
    Hint: Try first tasks learned in childhood.

• Communication
  • Look directly at the person
  • Speak slowly
  • Use short sentences
  • Use concrete / familiar terms
  • Ask "yes" or "no" questions
  • Talk in a warm, easygoing manner
  • Keep voice-pitch low
  • Do not argue
  • Listen to person with AD (Alzheimer's Disease)
  • Try to stay calm and be patient

Compiled by the Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1999.

• Alzheimer's Association of the Great Plains, 402-420-2540 or 1-800-487-2585 (Helpline)
• Midlands Chapter, 402-572-3010 or 1-800-309-2112 (Helpline)