Dementia care: Managing wandering and rapid cognitive decline

Managing dementia involves recognizing significant behavioral changes, such as wandering and rapid cognitive decline. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once, often driven by perceived needs like picking up children, going to work, or addressing restlessness and anxiety.

Rapid cognitive decline refers to noticeable changes in memory, judgment, communication, or orientation over a short period. When these changes occur, it is recommended to seek medical guidance to rule out urgent issues like strokes, document the specific changes from the individual's baseline, and assess immediate safety regarding medication, meals, and mobility.