Alzheimer's Care Partners Reported Struggles With Agitation
A new survey found most caregivers regret waiting to discuss these challenging behaviors with medical providers.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
Live Poll
Do you feel you have adequate support and resources to manage a loved one's health needs?
A survey of 751 Alzheimer's care partners revealed that 97% believe agitation symptoms negatively impact their loved one's quality of life. The findings underscore a widespread desire for better tools to track these behaviors, which affect many of the 7 million Americans living with the disease.
Why it matters
Early recognition and discussion of agitation are essential for improving patient quality of life, yet over half of caregivers regret delaying these conversations. This survey highlights the significant burden of nonaggressive symptoms, such as complaining or negativism, on both patients and caregivers.
In an online survey of 751 care partners, 97% reported agitation harms quality of life, while 76% expressed a desire to have identified symptoms sooner. The data characterizes the experiences of those caring for individuals among the 7 million Americans estimated to have Alzheimer's disease.
The players
Axsome Therapeutics
A biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for central nervous system disorders.
The Harris Poll
A global market research and analytics firm specializing in public opinion and health-related surveys.
CaringKind
A nonprofit organization providing support and resources for individuals and families affected by dementia.
The details
Agitation in Alzheimer's disease often manifests as nonaggressive behaviors like constant complaining or negativism, which caregivers identify as highly detrimental to daily life. Despite these behaviors impacting 75% of Alzheimer's patients, there is currently a lack of standardized tools for monitoring these fluctuations. Caregivers are now seeking more reliable ways to track these patterns over time to better inform their clinical care conversations.
Timeline
The Harris Poll conducted the online survey between October 7 and October 28, 2025.
Survey results were presented at Psych Congress 2026 on September 17 and 18, 2026.
Axsome Therapeutics officially announced the survey results on September 21, 2026.
Health Landscape
These findings reflect a broader shift within the Alzheimer's community to prioritize behavioral symptoms alongside cognitive decline. The results presented at Psych Congress 2026 indicate a critical need for new management strategies to support the 75% of patients who experience agitation.
If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, keep a log of nonaggressive behaviors like frequent complaining to share with your physician. Discussing these symptoms early is a key step in ensuring the treatment plan remains aligned with the patient's quality of life needs.
The takeaway
Recognizing agitation symptoms early can lead to more proactive clinical management and better daily outcomes for those with Alzheimer's. Care partners should consider documenting specific behaviors and consulting with a doctor to evaluate potential treatment adjustments.
Further reading
For more information on managing behavioral symptoms, explore the resources in our Alzheimer’s section.
More information
You can find Additional survey results and information on the program website.
Live Poll
Do you feel you have adequate support and resources to manage a loved one's health needs?
