“How can I manage my father's temper with Alzheimer's?”

Behavioral disturbances are quite common over the course of dementia, and often are more difficult to manage than the cognitive changes. Several factors have to be considered in relation to every behavioral change: cognitive changes (forgetfulness, poor attention span, visuospatial problems, etc.), medical issues (urine or lung infection, poorly managed pain, bowel or bladder issues, loss of mobility, etc.), psychiatric issues (depression, anxiety, etc.), environmental factors (over- or understimulation, lack of structure/routine, environment that does not take into account the person's cognitive limitations, etc.), and caregiver approach to the problem. If there are no active medical issues, I would certainly explore how some of the other factors listed here may be playing a role, and may inform how to intervene. Although antidepressants are only modestly effective in the context of dementia, there are clearly individuals who respond well to them, just as there are individuals who also respond well to cognitive enhancers such as donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, or memantine. The key is a careful evaluation by a geriatrically trained professional to figure out what factors are contributing to the problem.

1. Please try to find out the times of the day and events that irritates him, try eliminating those triggers
2. Do not answer or argue
3. If he is responding to unknown unseen people, not relevant to the present, may need psychiatric intervention
4. If still unmanageable, seek out treatment with a psychiatrist or at least a PCP
5. Once medical causes are ruled out, a trial of Depakote sprinkles may be for consideration from the MD/NP
Best

Taking care of people suffering from dementia can physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially affect the care givers.
Highly recommend to reach out to his primary care doctor, geriatrician, or neurologist to learn about available resources and obtain support for your self.