When someone is newly diagnosed with dementia, they will likely exhibit behaviors that are unexpected, surprising and contrast with their previous personality or habits. Here are some examples:

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1. Uncharacteristic Emotional Reactions

• Increased Sensitivity: Individuals may become overly emotional, reacting with tears or frustration to situations that wouldn't have upset them before.
• Emotional Detachment: Alternatively, some may seem indifferent or emotionally flat, even in situations that would normally evoke a strong reaction.

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2. Paranoia or Suspicion

• Mistrust of Loved Ones: A person may become suspicious of family members or caregivers, accusing them of theft or deception, even when no harm has occurred.
• Fear of Strangers: They might display unusual fear or distrust toward strangers, even in familiar places.

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3. Repetitive Behaviors

• Repetitive Actions: Some people may repeat certain activities, such as organizing and re-organizing items, pacing, or asking the same questions multiple times.
• Fixation on Routines: They might insist on sticking to rigid routines and become upset if there are any deviations, even if the routine wasn’t previously important to them.

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4. Sudden Loss of Social Filters

• Inappropriate Comments: They may say things that are socially inappropriate or blunt, which they wouldn’t have said before, such as making rude or tactless remarks.
• Personal Space Issues: They might invade others' personal space or engage in socially awkward behaviors like inappropriate touching or staring.

5. Hallucinations and Delusions

• Visual or Auditory Hallucinations: Some people may experience hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. This can be startling, especially early on in dementia.
• False Beliefs: They may develop false beliefs or delusions, such as thinking someone is impersonating a family member or that their home is not their own.

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6. Sudden Risk-Taking or Impulsiveness

• Impulsive Spending: A person might engage in uncharacteristic financial decisions, such as giving away large amounts of money or making unusual purchases.
• Unsafe Behavior: They may take risks that they would have previously avoided, such as wandering in unsafe areas or attempting to drive when they are no longer safe to do so.

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7. Obsessive or Compulsive Behaviors

• Hoarding: Some individuals may begin hoarding objects or collecting items that have little or no value.
• Repetitive Grooming or Cleaning: They may excessively focus on certain tasks, such as constantly cleaning or grooming themselves.

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8. Loss of Inhibitions

• Sexual Disinhibition: In some cases, people might exhibit inappropriate sexual behavior, such as making advances toward others or undressing in public, which can be shocking to those around them.
• Public Displays of Private Behavior: They may do things in public, such as using the bathroom without privacy or engaging in personal hygiene tasks inappropriately.

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9. Changes in Appetite or Eating Habits

• Craving Unusual Foods: Individuals may suddenly develop a craving for sweets or foods they never enjoyed before, or they might start eating excessive amounts of food.
• Eating  Non-Food Items: In rare cases, people may try to eat non-food items, a condition known as pica.

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10. Unexplained Agitation or Aggression

• Sudden Outbursts: Someone who was previously calm might experience unexpected outbursts of anger or frustration, often in response to feeling confused or overwhelmed.
• Physical Aggression: They may exhibit physical aggression, such as hitting or pushing, which can be distressing for caregivers and loved ones.

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11. Increased Wandering or Restlessness

• Wandering Off: Even in the early stages, some people may unexpectedly wander off, becoming disoriented and lost in familiar or unfamiliar places.
• Restlessness: They may show signs of restlessness, pacing back and forth, or fidgeting, even if they were typically calm and still before.

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These surprising behaviors often stem from the brain changes caused by dementia and can fluctuate. It’s important to remain patient, seek support, and develop strategies for coping with these behaviors as they arise.In next week’s blog we will explore remedies, suggestions and medications that can help your loved one manage these behaviors. For more information and insights about all aspects of dementia, including the stages of dementia, please visit our website at mosaic-solutions.co. Membership is free!

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