Most people think of Alzheimer’s disease as a condition that primarily affects memory and thinking skills. While these are hallmark symptoms, Alzheimer’s can also cause behavioral changes. Among these behavioral changes are
Pacing refers to when someone with Alzheimer’s walks back and forth over the same area. They may do this to the point where they tire themselves out. This could be due to:
- restlessness
- pain or discomfort
- a need for physical activity
- a history of moving around a lot
Pacing and other motor symptoms are common in Alzheimer’s, even in the early stages of the disease. Doctors often categorize this group of symptoms as “agitation.”
Agitation symptoms like pacing become more common later in Alzheimer’s. Still, a 2018 study found that
Research suggests that agitation may also be common in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementias like Alzheimer’s. One
Agitation symptoms that may accompany pacing
Excessive motor activity in Alzheimer’s disease can present in ways other than pacing. Agitation and anxiety in Alzheimer’s
- finger-pointing or other gestures
- irritability
- jumpiness
- repetitive mannerisms
- restlessness
- rocking
- shakiness
- wandering
First, it might be helpful to try to understand the cause of the pacing, although this may not always be clear. Addressing it might help reduce the frequency of the symptoms. For example, if they need more stimulation, you can try to engage them in various activities.
Other techniques for managing pacing and other agitation symptoms include:
- monitoring their comfort level
- redirecting their attention
- creating a calm environment
- ensuring sufficient sleep
If the above approaches don’t work, a doctor might recommend brexpiprazole (Rexulti) to manage pacing and other agitation symptoms.