Expert Guidance for Navigating Burdensome, Lesser-Known Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

New Video Series Empowers Caregivers to Address Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

Washington, D.C. (June 10, 2025) — The Alliance for Aging Research is proud to announce the release of a new video series, Expert Conversations on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The six videos aim to better support the behavioral and emotional challenges of neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.  

Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and Founder/Director of Integrated Memory Care at Emory University, shares compassionate guidance to help family caregivers understand neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and recognize when to ask for help. 

“If you are living with or caring for supporting someone who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to understand that this is a progressive illness and neuropsychiatric symptoms are just as much a product of the disease as memory loss,” said Clevenger. “We know that at some point people living with Alzheimer’s are going to have neuropsychiatric symptoms of the disease. Challenges recognizing familiar people and a familiar environment, difficulty managing emotions, issues processing visual and other sensory input can all contribute to or cause each of these symptoms and it’s important to understand them as symptoms rather than behavioral issues ‘problems’ and have a plan to navigate these.” 

The videos each cover one of six neuropsychiatric symptoms which are prevalent in Alzheimer’s patients and can significantly impact the quality of life for both patients and caregivers, often leading to increased caregiver burden and earlier institutionalization. 

• Agitation. Agitation affects up to 70% of people with Alzheimer’s. This film helps caregivers understand what agitation can look like, including symptoms such as restlessness, aggression, or verbal outbursts; and offers calming strategies, screening tools, and treatment options.  
• Anxiety and Depression. Anxiety and depression often show up early in Alzheimer’s but can be hard to recognize. This film outlines symptoms you might not think of as related – like irritability, withdrawal, or changes in appetite – and offers tools for diagnosis, treatment, and emotional support.  
• Apathy. When a loved one seems to lose interest in everything, including basic care, it can be heartbreaking. This film explains how apathy differs from depression and why it’s so distressing for caregivers. 
• Psychosis. Psychosis in Alzheimer’s can involve hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, or delusions, which are false but deeply believed ideas. This film discusses the difference, why these symptoms happen, and offers guidance on treatment and managing distress at home or in long-term care settings. 
• Sleep Disturbances. Sleep issues can disrupt life for both the person living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. This film explores common sleep challenges, their impact, and how to improve rest through routines, environment, and medications. 
• Wandering. Wandering can happen suddenly and poses serious safety risks for people living with Alzheimer’s. This film explains why it occurs, what increases the risk, and how caregivers can prepare through safeguards at home, conversations with clinicians, and tools like Project Lifesaver. 

“We encourage family members, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals, to watch the series to feel reassured that they are not alone in their experience and to foster a more informed and compassionate approach to Alzheimer’s care,” said Katrin Werner-Perez, Director of Health Programs at the Alliance for Aging Research. “By addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms head-on, we can reduce the stigma associated with this aspect of the disease and promote better outcomes for those affected by Alzheimer’s.” 

Learn more about NPS at AgingResearch.org/NPS. 

The Alliance for Aging Research is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the narrative to achieve healthy aging and equitable access to care. The Alliance strives for a culture that embraces healthy aging as a greater good and values science and investments to advance dignity, independence, and equity. For more than 35 years, the Alliance has guided efforts to substantially increase funding and focus for aging at the National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration; built influential coalitions to guide groundbreaking regulatory improvements for age-related diseases; and created award-winning, high-impact educational materials to improve the health and well-being of older adults and their family caregivers. Learn more at AgingResearch.org. 

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If you are a member of the media and want to learn more or interview an expert on this issue, email Katie Riley, Vice President of Communications, at [email protected].