How to Deal with Aggression in Alzheimer's Patients

Though violence is not a common feature of dementia, if it happens when a caregiver is not prepared, it can become dangerous quickly for both the patient and their family. With an Alzheimer's patient, it may be possible to encounter aggression from time to time. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for the worst. What should one do if someone with Alzheimer’s, or another form of dementia, becomes aggressive?

First, let's talk about why people with dementia get violent in the first place. As everyone may know, it’s not really a hallmark of the disease. Rather, it arises when anger and frustrations take over because the person’s judgment and memory are impaired. Usually, this happens in Alzheimer’s patients who are in the middle phase of their disease, a time when they really begin to lose their independent function but are still strong enough to physically hurt themselves (or others) by accident. This can quickly become a dangerous recipe for disaster.

What to do if someone you love becomes violent 

If your loved one with Alzheimer’s suddenly gets aggressive, it can be terrifying and emotionally distressing for you. Not only are you fighting off the hurt and betrayal you feel from your family member lashing out at you, but also you are scared that he or she may actually get hurt. So what do you do in this situation?

The most important thing to do first and foremost is to ensure both you and your loved one’s safety. Use a calm and soothing voice to reassure him or her. Tell them that everything is all right and encourage them to relax. If that doesn’t work and you feel overwhelmed, call for help. Get a neighbor you trust, call other family members or friends, and call your doctor. If there’s no one to help you, don’t hesitate to call 911. If there is a situation where your loved one is in severe danger due to his or her behavior, and there is nothing you can do to ensure his or her safety, paramedics can help you de-escalate the situation and keep both you and your loved one safe.

Take your family member to the doctor as soon as possible

A doctor should always be involved when an Alzheimer’s patient gets aggressive or violent. This is because sometimes, aggression can be a symptom of many other things that can be treated with medicine. For one, violence can be a side effect of different treatments, so it’s possible that the solution to this problem is simply a change in the person’s medications. Changes in behavior can also be signs that an Alzheimer’s patient is getting more sick, or has an overlying infection. These are all possibilities that should be properly assessed by a professional healthcare provider.