How To Manage Aggression And Agitation In Dementia Patients

Feb 18

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Behavior Changes: Learn what causes anger in people with dementia, like how they feel, what’s around them, or their health, and how to help them stay calm.
Ways to Help Without Medicine: Try simple ideas like talking kindly, doing calming activities, or making their space safe to help them feel better.
Support for Caregivers: Caregivers can find help by talking to experts, joining support groups, and using local programs to handle challenges more easily.

Taking care of someone with dementia can be hard, especially when they get upset or angry. These feelings happen because they may not know how to say what they need or understand what’s going on around them. Learning why they feel this way is the first step to helping them feel better. If you are caring for someone with dementia, joining a caregiver support program can help. Here is one to consider.

Building Better CaregiversⓇ is a six-week online program designed to support and empower caregivers. It offers education and support in a convenient, online setting. We understand the difficulties and challenges of being a caregiver, that’s why we offer Building Better Caregivers as a tool to help make life a little easier for caregivers and less isolating.

Caregivers can join at any time, work at their own pace, and participate whenever they want. Each group is made up of 30 caregivers who connect through weekly lessons, discussion boards, and one-on-one conversations, offering one another tips and support for their personal caregiving challenges.

The program is led by trained staff members many of whom have been caregivers themselves. These leaders guide discussions, share personalized resources, and keep workshops safe and supportive.

Building Better Caregivers has been recognized as a proven program by the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and the Family Caregiving Alliance.

“It was very helpful to learn things I might not have known and get tips and support from the others in the group. It helps just knowing there is someone who knows what you’re going through and can offer helpful tips, not just listen.”

– Building Better Caregivers Participant

Understanding Aggression And Agitation In Dementia Patients

People with dementia may sometimes get upset or restless, showing this through shouting, physical actions, or moving around a lot. This happens because dementia changes the brain, making it harder for them to remember, think clearly, or handle emotions.

It’s important to know that these behaviors aren’t done on purpose—they are part of the condition. When caregivers understand this, they can stay calm and kind. Finding out what causes these behaviors can help caregivers handle them better and make life easier for the person with dementia.

Common Causes Of Aggression And Agitation

People with dementia can get upset because they have trouble telling others how they feel or understanding what’s around them. Here are some common reasons:

Physical Discomfort

They might be in pain, tired, hungry, or sick but can’t explain it. This can make them frustrated and act out.

Things In The Environment

Loud noises, busy places, or messy surroundings can feel overwhelming. Being in an unfamiliar place or having their routine changed can also make them feel scared or upset.

Emotional Triggers

Confusion, fear, or frustration from memory problems and trouble understanding things can lead to outbursts or aggressive actions.

Trouble Sharing Needs

People with dementia might have a hard time telling others when they’re hungry, thirsty, or need to use the bathroom. If caregivers don’t understand these signals, the person might get frustrated or upset and act out to get attention or help.

Side Effects Of Medicine

Some medicines, or mixing different ones, can make people with dementia feel moody, restless, or annoyed. Keeping track of their medicines and making changes when needed can help them feel better and behave more calmly.

Good Communication Strategies

Talking to someone with dementia in the right way can help keep them calm and happy. Here are some simple tips:

Stay Calm and Patient: Talk to them in a relaxed way. Your tone and body language should show calmness because they can sense your emotions.
Use Simple Words: Speak slowly with short sentences and easy words. Don’t give them too much information at once.
Look Them in the Eye: Gentle eye contact can help them feel safe and focus on you.
Show You Understand Their Feelings: Even if what they say doesn’t make sense, let them know their feelings are okay. Being kind can help calm them down.
Don’t Argue or Correct Them: If they’re upset, don’t try to argue. Instead, change the subject to something pleasant or neutral.

Using kindness and understanding can help stop or calm down episodes of anger or frustration.

Creating A Calm And Safe Environment

A peaceful and organized space can help keep someone with dementia calm. Here are some easy ways to make their environment feel safe and comfortable:

Keep It Quiet and Clean: Reduce noise and clutter to avoid overwhelming them. Use soft lighting and familiar items to make them feel secure.
Have a Daily Routine: Doing things at the same time every day can help them feel less confused or anxious.
Use Simple Signs or Pictures: Labels and photos can help them find their way and avoid frustration.
Provide Comforting Items: Give them things they love, like a favorite blanket, family photos, or calming music, to help them feel happy and relaxed.
Make It Safe: Remove dangerous items like sharp objects, and use safety locks or alarms to keep them from wandering.

A calm and safe environment can help them feel better and reduce anger or frustration.

Ways To Help Without Medicine

Helping someone with dementia stay calm doesn’t always need medicine. Here are some things you can do to make them feel better:

Do Fun Activities: Let them enjoy simple things like gardening, puzzles, or listening to music. These activities can make them feel happy and less upset.
Keep Them Moving: Gentle exercise like walking or stretching can help them use energy and feel better.
Try Special Therapies: Art, pet, or memory activities can bring joy and comfort, reducing frustration.
Change Their Focus: If they’re upset, distract them with something else, like a new activity or topic.
Help Them Relax: Show them how to do deep breathing or other calming exercises to ease tension.

These ideas work best when you pick activities they like and need, helping them feel calmer and more comfortable.

When To Consider Using Medicine

Sometimes, medicine is necessary to help with severe aggression or agitation in dementia patients. Here’s what caregivers and doctors can do:

Check for Other Problems: Make sure there’s no hidden issue like an infection, UTI, pain, or side effects from other medications causing the behavior.
Use Medicine Carefully: If the behavior is dangerous or unmanageable, doctors might prescribe medications like antipsychotics, antidepressants, or mood stabilizers. These should be a last choice and watched closely for side effects.
Adjust Current Medicines: If a medicine is causing problems, the doctor might change the dose or switch to something else.
Ask a Specialist: A dementia or mental health expert can give advice and suggest treatments tailored to the person’s needs.

Medicine should only be used when absolutely needed and as part of a complete care plan with regular check-ins to keep the patient safe and well.

How To Support Cargivers

Taking care of someone with dementia can be very tiring, especially when dealing with aggression or agitation. Here are ways to help caregivers:

Teach Helpful Skills: Caregivers can learn about dementia, how to manage behaviors, and ways to talk with kindness.
Encourage Self-Care: Remind caregivers to eat healthy, exercise, and get enough rest to stay strong.
Provide Emotional Support: Talking to others in support groups or a counselor can help caregivers handle their feelings.
Share the Work: Family and friends can help with caregiving tasks. Professional in-home care or short breaks, called respite care, can give caregivers time to recharge.
Use Helpful Resources: Programs like Building Better CaregiversⓇ offer tips, guides, and support for caregivers.

When caregivers feel supported and strong, they can provide better care and handle challenges more easily.

Final Thoughts

Handling aggression and agitation in people with dementia takes patience, understanding, and planning. Caregivers can help by learning what causes these behaviors, using simple and kind communication, and creating a calm and safe space.

It’s best to try non-medical ways first, like activities or calming techniques, and only use medicine if it’s really needed and guided by a doctor.

Supporting caregivers is just as important. With help from professionals and useful resources, caregivers can stay strong and provide the best care while taking care of themselves too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Managing Aggression And Agitation In Dementia Patients

What is the difference between agitation and aggression in dementia patients?

Agitation means being restless, pacing, or repeating actions. Aggression includes things like yelling or hitting. Agitation is calmer, while aggression is stronger.

Can dementia patients recognize their aggressive behavior?

Most dementia patients don’t know they are being aggressive because of how the disease affects their brain. Caregivers should focus on calming them instead of blaming them.

Are certain types of dementia more likely to cause aggression?

Yes, types like Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia often cause more aggression and agitation.

How can I tell if agitation is caused by dementia or something else?

Check for signs like pain, sickness, or bad reactions to medicine. These can look like dementia symptoms but have different causes.

Can changing their diet help with aggression?

Eating healthy and drinking enough water can improve mood and health, which may lower agitation, but it won’t solve everything.

Is music therapy helpful for calming aggression?

Yes, playing favorite or familiar music can help soothe the patient and reduce agitation.

What should I do if aggression becomes dangerous?

Stay calm, give them space, and focus on keeping everyone safe. Call for professional help if needed.

Can therapies like aromatherapy or acupuncture help?

Some people find things like aromatherapy calming, but scientists are still learning how well they work.

Why does drinking water help with agitation?

If someone doesn’t drink enough water, they can get confused and upset. Keeping them hydrated can help prevent these behaviors.

Can agitation and aggression be completely stopped?

These behaviors may not go away completely, but you can manage them with the right care, calming activities, and medical help.

Maggie Reed