How to reduce agitation in dementia care without medication: Practical strategies that work

As dementia progresses, people living with the condition often experience different changes in behaviour, such as depression, apathy, aggression, and agitation. Among these, agitation is one of the most challenging, both to experience and to respond to.

These changes can be distressing not only for the person living with dementia, but also for the caregivers and family members who support them everyday, affecting routines, relationships, and overall wellbeing. In this article, we explore what agitation is, why it occurs, and how care homes can reduce it through practical, non-pharmacological approaches that support calmer moments for everyone involved.

What is agitation in dementia care?

Agitation is a form of distress that can show in the form of restlessness, emotional upset and irritability. It is a state where it is difficult to calm down. Symptoms of agitation include verbal reactions like shouting or using aggressive language, performing repetitive actions like tapping, rocking or rubbing surfaces, and even physical aggression like hitting, pushing or kicking.

Although agitation expressions may appear to be personal and done on purpose, the reality is that they are not. Agitated behaviours are signs of stress, fear, confusion and overwhelm that the person with dementia does not have control over. Therefore, it’s important to always try to see things from their perspective and to not blame them for their behaviour.

Why can agitation be difficult for caregivers looking after people with dementia?

Caregivers will likely encounter agitation on a regular basis, but frequency does not necessarily make it easier to handle. Responding to agitated behaviour in people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can be challenging, both practically and emotionally.

Agitation can appear suddenly and without a clear cause, while communication difficulties make it hard for individuals to explain what they are feeling or what they need. Repeated exposure to agitation can lead to stress, frustration, and feelings of helplessness, especially when caregivers feel they have few effective tools at hand.

Without adequate support, this strain can build up, affecting mental wellbeing and increasing the risk of burnout.

What treatments are available for agitation in dementia?

There is no single solution to treat agitation in dementia care. Agitation can look very different from one person to another, so effective care involves a combination of approaches specifically tailored to the individual. 

In some situations medication can be used, especially when agitation is severe or persistent. Pharmacological treatments can help reduce acute symptoms, but they do not address the underlying causes of agitation and may bring side effects such as drowsiness or increased risk of pneumonia, stroke and kidney injury. 

Studies and experts suggest that the best approach to reduce agitation is to always try non-drug approaches first. These focus on understanding the root cause of agitation and responding to those needs in a person-centred way.

Non-drug strategies that reduce agitation in dementia care

Non-pharmacological interventions can lead to calmer moments, stronger relationships between caregivers and residents, and a more positive overall care environment. They aim to:

• Prevent agitation before it occurs
• Reduce the severity and duration of agitated behaviours
• Lower caregiver distress
• Bring reassurance to family members

Below, we explore some of the scientifically proven, non-pharmacological approaches that help reduce agitated behaviours in dementia care environments:

Regular activity and involvement

Staying constantly active can play an important role in reducing agitation. When seniors with dementia are engaged in activity, they are less likely to feel restless or disconnected. Making sure they have enough opportunities for movement, interaction, and play can help release built-up tension and prevent agitated behaviours and drastic mood changes.

Make sure to offer activities that are accessible and adapted to the individual’s abilities. Group activities that invite light movement and social interaction can gently encourage participation without pressure.

Musical interventions

Music has a powerful effect on mood and emotion, and it is proven to be a great way to cognitively stimulate people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Studies show that music can reduce agitated behaviours and increase pleasure and joy. A familiar song or sound  can evoke feelings of comfort, familiarity, and calm.

Music-based activities like listening to favourite tunes, singing along, or gentle movement to music are ideal to mitigate agitation. Some interactive games for people with dementia incorporate sound and rhythm in a way that naturally invites engagement without being overstimulating.

Sensory-based therapy and stimulation

Agitation often results from sensory overload or too little stimulation. Stimulating the senses in a balanced and meaningful way can help regulate emotions and behaviours in a person living with dementia.

Sensory-based support may involve gentle visual input, soothing sounds, or touch- and movement-based activities. They can help anchor attention to the present moment, creating a sense of safety and focus that calms and soothes.

How the Tovertafel supports multiple non-pharmacological approaches to reduce agitation

What makes non-pharmacological approaches effective is not one single intervention, but the right combination of different approaches working together. The Tovertafel—an interactive light-based games projector designed for people living with dementia—brings these approaches together in one accessible, easy-to-use tool.

The Tovertafel is the only evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention tool of its kind that improves quality of life for people with dementia and supports caregivers who look after them.

Its interactive games encourage gentle movement, incorporate music and sounds to support emotional regulation, and provide visual and sensory stimulation that adapts to each person’s responses. The Tovertafel helps care teams respond proactively to agitation, strengthens relationships between caregivers and residents, and contributes to a calmer, more positive atmosphere across care settings.

Curious to see how the Tovertafel can effectively reduce agitation in your care home? Learn more about our solution or get in touch with us to explore what this could look like for your care setting.