Aggressive Behavior in Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia poses many challenges for families and carer. Dementia can cause mood swings and even change a person’s personality and behavior. This can be upsetting and distressing to see such change in someone’s personality. There are many causes of aggressive behavior in dementia, including:

• Loss of inhibitions and self-control
• Loss of judgement
• No other way to express themselves
• Depression
• Frustration with a situation
• Fear or humiliation.

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During an episode of aggression, it’s important not to make the situation worse by arguing with them or adopting an aggressive pose as this may make them lash out. Your attitude and body language communicate your feelings and thoughts stronger than your words. One way to stay calm is to remember that even if the aggression seems personal or intentional, it is the result of the illness. Use facial expressions, tone of voice and physical touch to help convey your message and show your feelings of affection.

Try to keep a note of anything that could trigger aggressive behavior in the person you care for. This may take some trial and error, but if you can identify these triggers, you can avoid them.

Always consider what need the person might be trying to meet with their behavior—and, when possible, try to accommodate them.

PHOTO CREDIT: blog. hear-our-voices.org