TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Constant Pacing Could Be Sign Of Pain Or Anxiety

ADVERTISEMENT

LYN ROCHE

Published: September 13, 2007

Dear Lyn: I take care of my older brother full-time. He's 80 and was diagnosed with progressive dementia a few years ago. Lately he can't seem to sit still, and he's constantly pacing or fidgeting. He doesn't wander outside, but I did get him a Safe Return bracelet. My problem is that his pacing is really getting to me. I took him to the doctor to see if something was physically wrong with him that would make him nervous or upset. The doctor examined him and said he was fine, but he didn't give me any advice about dealing with this. Any suggestions? –- Uptight Little Sister

Dear Little Sis: It's good that you took your brother to the doctor. Restlessness and pacing could be a sign of pain. Since the doctor didn't detect a physical issue, other than perhaps changes in the brain as the dementia progresses, there could possibly be factors in the home environment causing him to be anxious or nervous.

I suggest you do a little detective work and keep a journal of your observations. Watch to see what's going on around him when he gets antsy. Also, think back to what might have happened just prior to his pacing. Is there tension in the household? Is the TV on? If, so what kind of program was on? Could the volume be too loud? Has he consumed a lot of caffeine? These issues and similar ones are conditions you have some control over.

Also consider that he may be bored. Try to remember some safe, failure-free things he likes to do and introduce those activities into his day. Whenever he starts pacing, ask him if he could help you out by folding the laundry or sorting socks — anything you feel appeals to him and may distract him from pacing. Some caregivers fill boxes with various items their loved ones can fidget with. Others find a rocking chair helps with restlessness.

Since his restless behavior is causing you understandable agitation, you might want to suggest taking a walk outdoors together. This could help both of you relax — and you'll get a change of scenery. Take deep breaths while you're walking. Like many people with dementia, your brother is most likely sensitive to your mood, and finding ways to lessen anxiety for both of you is extremely important.

Dear Lyn: I've been having some memory problems, and my doctor says I have something called Early Onset Alzheimer's. I'm only 53. Should I get another opinion? – E-mail from Too Young

Dear Too Young: Getting a second opinion for any medical condition is always a good idea. You didn't say what kind of testing was used to determine the cause of your memory problems. Make sure you have thorough examinations and evaluations. If there's a memory clinic in your community, you may want to go there for testing.

Alzheimer's is not the cause of all forgetfulness or dementia. Some changes in memory function are caused by conditions that are treatable and reversible.

For anyone not familiar with Early Onset Alzheimer's, it generally describes Alzheimer's occurring in people younger than 65.

Note to readers: Lyn Roche and her husband, Bill, will present free "A Breath of Fresh Air" caregiver workshops on Sept. 22, Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 in the Sarasota area. Call (941) 377-5020 for locations and times. Space is limited; reservations are recommended. Attendees will receive a copy of Lyn's book, "Coping With Caring," compliments of Mutual of Omaha.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT