Aggression is common behavior for people living with dementia
People living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia can display aggression or agitation in moments of frustration. While aggression can be hard to cope with, understanding that the person is not acting this way on purpose can help.
Aggressive behaviors may be verbal or physical. They can occur suddenly, with no apparent reason, or result from a frustrating situation. While aggression can be hard to cope with, understanding that the person with Alzheimer’s or dementia is not acting this way on purpose can help.
Aggression can be caused by many factors including physical discomfort, environmental factors and poor communication. If the person with Alzheimer’s is aggressive, consider what might be contributing to the change in behavior.
Common Changes in Behavior
Many people find the changes in behavior caused by Alzheimer’s to be the most challenging and distressing effect of the disease. The chief cause of behavioral symptoms is the progressive deterioration of brain cells. However, medication, environmental influences and some medical conditions can also cause symptoms or make them worse.
In early stages, people may experience behavior and personality changes such as:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
In later stages, other symptoms may occur, including:
- Aggression and anger
- Anxiety and agitation
- General emotional distress
- Physical or verbal outbursts
- Restlessness, pacing, shredding paper or tissues.
- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not really there).
- Delusions (firmly held belief in things that are not true).
- Sleep issues and sundowning
Help is available
- Your local Alzheimer’s Association® chapter – alz.org – can connect you with the resources you need to cope with the challenges of Alzheimer’s. Find a chapter in your community.
- Our free 24/7 Helpline – 800.272.3900 – provides information, referral and care consultation by professionals in more than 200 languages.