Every once in a while, a senior citizen acts and sounds like a young child. Many times this is because of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or Dementia with Lewy Bodies. This reversion should be very concerning to family and loved ones – and to that of a caregiver!
While the tendencies may be present during the daytime, they may become much more detrimental come the evening. Just like a child, the person may find one individual that they become completely dependent upon; “shadowing” them by constantly clinging closely by them.
Again, just like other tendencies, the shadowing becomes much more prevalent during the times, such as evening hours, when people with AD or Dementia tend to ‘sundown.’ This is because the person is typically tired during these times; may be worn down. This is why the confusion and fearfulness may increase.
And, just like with children, this fearfulness becomes even more confusing which causes the person to become more fearful. It is a round robin of negativity for them, thus the childlike behavior gets worse as well and the elder tends to need the person that they shadow even more.
This behavior can get so extreme that they have a hard time when their point person even goes to the bathroom alone. The freak out that they have is similar to a child’s tantrum.
Understanding this and stepping in to help shows that you believe that no matter what the circumstance that With Age Comes Respect.
With Age Comes Respect - An Elderly Caregiver's Perspective 