Caregiving for a person with dementia can be difficult if they exhibit altered behavior, such as anger and aggression. Although they can occur at any time, some people are more affected by them in the middle to late stages. A person can cope and react appropriately if they understand why they do what they do.
This article examines the causes of anger in those who have dementia. Additionally, it provides a number of suggestions to help caregivers deal with this behavior.
Is There a Dementia Anger Stage?
Is there a “later stage” of dementia? A person with dementia will go through the various stages of dementia, but the changes are more related to level of functioning than to anger.
Occasionally, when a person with dementia becomes angry, there might be warning signs, such as voice changes and altered facial expressions. However, this rage can also come up out of nowhere or over seemingly insignificant things.
Anger in people with dementia may present in physical or verbal forms:
- Yelling, screaming, and calling out
- Attempting to attack physically
- Verbal abuse such as making threats and insults
- Physical abuse such as pinching, biting, scratching, pinching, and pulling hair
- Throwing things
7 Causes of Anger in People With Dementia
Dementia occursTrusted Source when once-healthy neurons and nerve cells in the brain stop working and die. Cognitive abilities like reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and judgment are lost as a result of this.
A person with dementia may respond meanly and angrily as a result of these symptoms by feeling embarrassed, frustrated, and patronized.
Here are a few potential triggers for anger in relation to dementia symptoms.
Environmental Factors
The Alzheimer’s Association claims that many dementia sufferers perform better in the mornings and exhibit increased alertness at particular times of the day. If there are loud noises, physical clutter, or an overactive environment, they might feel overwhelmed by the situation. They might also feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar surroundings and people.
Many factors can also trigger it, such as:
- Physical discomfort, including pain, hunger, and a lack of sleep
- Frustration from the inability to do simple tasks
- Side effects from medications
- Emotional triggers such as feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or bored
- Mental triggers, such as the loss of train of thought and mixed-up memories
Additionally, people might become less able to control their emotions and impulses. As a result, they become irrationally angry rather than expressing it through silence or withdrawal.
Misunderstanding
As people with dementia become less able to comprehend what others are saying, communicating with them may become more challenging.
People who have this condition may misunderstand or misinterpret their caregivers and believe they are in the wrong. They might become enraged due to frustration, misunderstanding, or fear.
Lack of Recognition
Even close friends and family members may be forgotten by those who have dementia. They might feel threatened by this, which could frighten and worry them.
Confusion
A person’s ability to recognize people and places may decline as the disease worsens. Someone may become perplexed and enraged or aggressive as a result of this.
Hallucinations
False perceptions that affect the senses but are actually mental constructs are called hallucinations.
When people experience tactile or visual hallucinations, such as the sensation of insects crawling on their skin or seeing deceased family members, they may become frightened and confused, which may result in angry outbursts.
Paranoia and Delusions
Irrational thoughts can be held by someone who has dementia and can cause them to feel fearful and anxious. They might develop paranoia and develop doubts about those around them.
These thoughts could develop into delusions if they are not resolved. A person may become combative when others challenge these delusions or paranoid behaviors.
Caregiver Burnout
When a caregiver is frustrated, impatient, or angry but doesn’t express it out loud, a person with dementia may sense it. They might discuss their emotions with their caregiver.
A 2020 study on the association between caregivers’ burden and neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with Crying fits and agitation have been specifically linked to caregiver burden levels ranging from moderate to severe in Alzheimer’s disease.
How to Respond Anger in People With Dementia?
You might be able to handle the person you’re caring for’s anger or aggression by using one of these tactics. It will depend on the circumstances which one you select.
Find Out the Cause
The environment and physical factors can have an impact on behavior, so look for the cause. Anger and aggression can be brought on by discomfort, exhaustion, hunger, or an excessive amount of stimulation.
Look for behavior patterns. For instance, the person may have a tendency to become angry in the evening.
Consider the circumstances leading up to the reaction. Was there a lot of traffic or noise? What specific actions or events brought on the response? The more triggers you can name, the simpler it will be to avoid them.
Give Space and Time
Give the individual some room. Because they feel as though their personal space has been violated and they are unsure of why, they may be resisting.
Back off for a while if you’re assisting someone with a task and they start to get angry. Make sure the person is safe to leave alone, then give them some time. You might discover that attempting the same task 20 minutes later yields an entirely different outcome.
Don’t Argue
It is almost never successful to argue with a dementia patient. Even if you believe you have a compelling argument, this is true.
Arguing with someone might only aggravate them. You won’t “win,” and the situation may become worse.
Remain Calm
When dealing with a dementia patient’s anger and aggression, tone and composure are crucial. In order to avoid exaggerating the situation, it’s important to maintain your composure when responding.
Try your hardest to maintain composure when the other person is acting irrationally or violently. In order to avoid overwhelming or further confusing the person, speak to them softly and slowly.
Use Distraction
Music is an effective diversion. Make an effort to play some of the songs that your loved one enjoys. It might help the individual feel better and be more open to receiving assistance.
Other distractions, such as your favorite TV shows or sporting events, are also options.
Adjust Caregivers
Routines are frequently beneficial for people with dementia. They might favor a caregiver who is dependable. A different face, however, can occasionally produce a different outcome.
If there are other employees present at the care facility where you work, consider switching caregivers.
Summary
It can be challenging to know how to react when a patient becomes angry. It might be simpler to deal with if you know why it’s happening. Keep in mind that the patient is experiencing anxiety and distress at this time. You can handle and react to these difficult circumstances with patience and understanding.
