As caregivers we are often faced with managing agitation exhibited by residents living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Did you know that agitation is seen in up to 70% of people with AD and that it is the most complex, challenging, and costly aspect of care. Think about the negative outcomes related to agitation including increased caregiver burden, morbidity, mortality, and overall function impairment; no wonder these residents can be challenging!

Drum roll please! Data from the phase 3 ACCORD clinical trial was presented at the Alzheimer Disease conference in October 2023. The data from this trial suggests that a medication, AXS-05, (Axsome therapeutics), an investigational n-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist (TMI), can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and demonstrate safety in patients experiencing agitation. The researcher, George Grossberg, MD stated “I think it is important for all of us to keep in mind that AD is not just a cognitive disorder. Many patients, in fact, most patients, during the course of the disease will exhibit some type of behavioral or neuropsychiatric disturbance”. Agitation is one of the most common symptoms.

Add to this, how about the resident’s history before AD? Did they experience any form of trauma/loss earlier in life? Bring on trauma-informed care! Think about it. Living with AD is hard enough, but not being able to verbalize what is going on in your head must be terrifying. Bottom line, know as much about each of your residents as you can. Understand the importance of research and at a minimum, trauma-informed care. You can make a difference. Let it start with you! Stay well and stay informed!