Quiet Down!
Dear Caregivers,
I love the Fall, but I have to admit that these days I hate the fall. The leaves, that is. In the old days the falling leaves were taken care of with the gentle sound of a rake across the dirt, but now? Leaf blowers! These pernicious, noisy, smelly devices seem to be everywhere, and the noise―constant, high-pitched, whiney, and out of one’s control―can ruin a Sunday afternoon on the porch...or worse.
For a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, noise pollution is more than an annoyance. Alzheimer’s impairs the brain’s ability to process sensations, causing noises to blend in with each other and sow confusion. Loud noises also trigger the brain’s “fight or flight” response, which can lead to an agitated state in your loved one.
While environmental noises can be out of your control, you can take steps to help mitigate the irritation they cause to you and your loved one:
Create a “safe room.” If possible, find a room in the house that is furthest from the noise, for example, and outfit it with heavy curtains and carpets or rugs to help block the sound.
Use high and low tech: A simple pair of foam earplugs are inexpensive and work wonders. Try “noise cancelling” headphones. These devices cover your ears and feature technology that not only dampens noise but also plays your favorite soothing music or “white noise,” such as the sounds of waves gently rolling in from the sea. In the article below, you will read how music's soothing powers can be of particular help for your loved one.
Calm Yourself: Practice meditation or other deep breathing techniques that can help your body calm the “fight or flight” response.
It’s a bit of a shame that simple quiet is now considered a luxury in our noise-ridden world. But with a little planning ahead, you can bring a little peace into the lives of you and your loved one.
Here are some more resources for exploring ways to keep the volume down and the calm up for both of you:
Joyful Noise: Music to Soothe the Soul
Music is one of the most ancient forms of human communication and entertainment, and also has clinical benefits. Here’s how to do music therapy with your loved one at home.
How to Do Relaxation Breathing:
If you're feeling anxious, the first step to take is to break your body's stress response cycle. Relaxation breathing is a powerful technique to achieve this.
Activities for Agitation for Middle-Stage (Moderate) Alzheimer’s Dementia:
Agitation can be distressing for your loved one and for you. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, and even verbal outbursts. Engaging in appropriate activities can help reduce distress and restore a sense of comfort for your loved one. Here’s how to cope.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Noise is the most impertinent of all forms of interruption. It is not only an interruption, but also a disruption of thought."
— Arthur Schopenhauer
