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Supporting Caregivers in Identifying Symptoms of Agitation in Alzheimer's Dementia (AAD)

Agitation in Alzheimer's Screener for Caregivers (AASC®)

What is AAD

Welcome Caregivers!

You are in a unique​ position to recognize and manage agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia for your loved one​.

Agitation in Alzheimer's dementia can manifest as both non-aggressive and aggressive behaviors, such as wandering, pacing, and repetitive questions, which may not be immediately recognized as part of agitation and are often dismissed as acting out despite its complex and burdensome nature.1,2

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People with Alzheimer’s dementia often experience behavioral and psychological conditions, with agitation being the most common.3,4

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Despite its prevalence, agitation is often underrecognized by family caregivers and underdiagnosed by Healthcare Providers (HCPs).5-7

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Agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia is a treatable condition with a broad range of symptoms. Agitation requires a different treatment, separate from Alzheimer’s treatment.8-10

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Nearly 50% of people living with Alzheimer’s dementia will experience agitation.5

HCPs rely on caregivers to report agitation symptoms, as caregivers are usually the first to encounter agitation behaviors, but most do not recognize their relation to Alzheimer’s dementia and are hesitant to discuss them with HCPs.7,10

Your Role Extends Beyond Caregiving as You Are the First to Encounter Agitation Symptoms

You are the essential communicator and advocate for your loved one

Caregivers are often first to encounter agitation behaviors

Caregivers:

  • May not recognize the full breadth of agitation behaviors7,10,11
  • May not understand that treatment of agitation differs from treatment of Alzheimer’s7,10,11
  • May not readily talk about agitation behaviors with HCPs7,10
  • May have intimate (or crucial) knowledge of loved ones routines and behavioral changes7,12

HCPs often rely on caregivers to report agitation behaviors

HCPs7:

  • Learn about agitation symptoms from caregivers
  • Agitation symptoms may not be easy to detect in an office setting, especially when symptoms are subtle

Early detection using the AASC® may13,14:

  • Encourage discussions with HCPs about agitation symptoms
  • Improve recognition and overall management of agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia

The Agitation in Alzheimer's Screener for Caregivers (AASC®) Is an Easy-to-Use Screening Tool13

The AASC® was created with caregiver feedback along with agitation in Alzheimer's dementia clinical experts and a patient representative to:

Help you recognize agitation behaviors early
Help you broach discussions about bothersome agitation symptoms
Help HCPs fully understand your observations
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The AASC® can be completed in less than a minute at home, waiting room, or doctor's office and uses a straightforward scoring method.

Learn more about agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia

Read More

Reference(s)

1. Rabinowitz J, et al. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2005;13(11):991-998. 2. Sano M, et al. Int Psychogeriatr. 2024;238-249. 3. Antonsdottir IM, et al. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2015;16(11):1649-1656. 4. Anatchkova M, et al. Int Psychogeriatr. 2019;31(9):1305-1318. 5. Halpern R, et al. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019;34(3):420-431. 6. Lanctot KL, et al. Alzheimers Dement (NY). 2017;3(3):440-449. 7. Stella F, et al. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2015;30(12):1230-1237. 8. Cummings J, et al. Int Psychogeriatr. 2015;27(1):7-17. 9. Cohen-Mansfield J. Instruction Manual for the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). 1991. Rockville, MD: Research Institute of the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington. 10. Gilmore-Bykovskyi A, et al. Gerontologist. 2020;60(5):896-904. 11. Richler LG, et al. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2023;31(1):22-27. 12. Lindeza P, et al. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2020;bmjspcare-2020-002242. 13. Clevenger C, et al. One Minute to Recognition: The Agitation in Alzheimer’s Screener for Caregivers (AASC®). The Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting; November 8-12, 2023; Tampa, FL. 14. Clevenger C, et al. Study protocol: quantitative evaluation of The Agitation in Alzheimer’s Screener for Caregivers (AASC), a novel tool for improving recognition of agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia. Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC): July 28-August 1, 2024: Philadelphia, PA.