08/10/2026
Alleviate Alzheimer's Aggression - Why do folks with Alzheimer’s lash out for no reason, or get upset or angry so easily? Often a loved one with dementia will throw things or react to you by pushing and hitting, they may curse, throw insults, or scream and kick. If your loved one becomes aggressive, it’s important to remember that they aren’t doing it on purpose. Understanding the "triggers" and taking action to resolve them can make your loved one feel better. Common triggers include:
* Discomfort from lack of sleep, side effects from medication, or pain that they can’t describe;
* The environment has loud noises, too much activity, or people they don't know;
* Confusion from being asked too many questions at once, or complex instructions;
* Feeling like their personal space was invaded, or being touched;
* Being criticized or told they were wrong;
* Not being allowed to do something or go somewhere;
* Having to do something they didn’t want to do;
* Feeling threatened;
* Thinking something that isn’t true, or delusions that you are stealing their things.
* Was there a change in their daily schedule?
* Was the room getting dark, are they experiencing “Sundowning Syndrome?”
Their Body Might Be to Blame:
* They may be depressed, sleeping more or less than usual, eating more or less than usual;
* They could be in pain, did they fall and perhaps you didn’t notice?
* They may feel ill, dizzy, nauseous, or have a UTI.
* They may be cold, hungry, thirsty, tired, or have to go to the bathroom?
Once you pinpoint what might be behind the aggression, make an action plan to remedy the situation and see if it helps relieve their discomfort and calm them down. If your first plan doesn’t work, troubleshoot and try another one. You might need to try several things, until you find the one that works. If nothing seems to help, and the aggression is constant, then it is time to talk to your loved one’s doctor for advice. We are available at Visitng Angels 24/7/365, please call 561-328-7611.
