Loud Noise May Increase Agitation in Those with Alzheimer’s

Studies have shown that out of our five senses, our hearing is most impacted by Alzheimer’s.  It appears a noisy environment causes Alzheimer’s sufferers to lose the ability to filter out the many distractions.  This can lead to mild frustration, anger, uncertainty, confusion, pacing and other types of agitated behaviors.    

Even homes that provide specialized dementia care are often unaware of how daily background noises may be affecting the residents.  Experts say, “Noise that is acceptable to care staff may be particularly distressing and disorientating for a person with dementia, especially at busy times of day such as shift change-over and mealtimes.”

The problem may be due to the effects of sensory changes caused by the disease that alter the way a person perceives external stimuli such as noise and bright or flashing lights.  When overstimulated by a noisy or too bright environment, a person with dementia may become disoriented and lose their sense of balance, which can increase the risk of a fall. 

As dementia care experts, MorningStar at Englefield Green understands the disease and it repercussions for our most tender residents.  Under MorningStar’s signature program, Lavender Sky, we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia.  This has helped us to realize that heightened noise levels may be triggering anxiety and agitated behavior’s in our residents.  We have noticed expressions are more prominent when noise is at maximum levels.

As a result, our Leadership Team explored different options to help decrease noise pollution within our community.  We discover noise levels were the highest in the central common area and have decided to move our theatre to the Pine area.  The newly vacant area will now be reserved as a quiet spot where residents and their families can quietly sit and relax. 

This is just one example of working toward creating the best possible experience and environment for our residents.  Just under two-years old, MorningStar is unlike other Alzheimer’s care homes as we were built from the ground up to accommodate the specialized needs of dementia care.  We offer 50 secure suites in a variety of floor plans for permanent and short term residents.  Please visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Contact us - your loved one deserves the finest dementia care!