How to Cope with Aggression from Dementia

Dementia is a condition that causes changes in the brain to occur. Many different types of dementia can occur, with the most common being Alzheimer's disease. Aggression is commonly paired with personality changes, inability to make rational decisions, and paranoia. A person may become aggressive because of embarrassment or out of general confusion. Properly managing and coping with an aggressive dementia patient is essential. The caregiver must understand how to redirect and properly assist a person who is severely agitated. A variety of training and education is necessary when working or caring for someone suffering with dementia; improper methods can cause aggression to rapidly increase.

Things You'll Need

• Lotion
• Lavender essential oil
• Music
• Books

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Instructions

• 1

  Remember that the person is not becoming aggressive out of malevolence or spite. Acting out physically or verbally is caused by physical changes in the brain. Understand that the person may not be able to control specific behavior when triggered.

• 2

  Identify trigger points; know what situations and circumstances will cause a person to act aggressive. Remove the person from a situation that may cause sensory overload, such as a loud family gathering or even the TV turned up to loud. Ask people to leave a room if it suddenly becomes too crowded. Keep tasks and activities simple and accomplishable. Continue with a regular sleep schedule; avoid changing daily and evening schedules. A person with dementia may become frightened in new and strange situations.

• 3

  Take a deep breath and relax when an aggressive episode is starting. Remind yourself to stay calm. Maintain an even, low level of voice when communicating with the dementia patient. Do not use a loud, aggressive voice. Always approach the person from the front and never from the side or back.

• 4

  Include massage, music, and quiet reading time to relax a person with dementia. Use a small amount of lotion or lavender essential oil and give a hand or arm massage. Play music or read aloud from a book. Have a variety of other activities available if a person is becoming irritated. Looking through photos, making a snack, or taking a walk outside are activities that can be used to redirect a person.

• 5

  Understand that if a person becomes too aggressive, additional assistance may be required. Know when to call for help, including 911. Calling for help is a safe solution and will prevent physical harm from occurring, yet should be used only as a last resort. Know that a person in a uniform will look extremely frightening to a person with dementia, and the aggression may become worse.