Dealing with angry outbursts can be one of the most challenging issues for caregivers and family members of those living with dementia. Understanding what’s behind the anger is key to addressing it successfully. Let’s take a closer look at why people with dementia feel angry and what we can do about it.
What Stage of Dementia is Anger?
Anger is a common emotion experienced by people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and it can manifest at any stage of the disease.
In the early stages of dementia, it is normal for people to feel confused, frustrated, or disoriented due to memory loss and declining cognitive abilities. These emotions can lead to feelings of anger and aggression.
People often don’t recognize their limitations and inadvertently expect them to do more than they are able. The person might become irritated when they are asked questions repeatedly or if they cannot accomplish simple tasks that were once effortless. This quickly leads to uncomfortable feelings such as overwhelm, embarrassment, and frustration. It can result in lashing out at family members or caregivers who are just trying to help but don’t realize that they’re making it harder for their loved one with dementia.
As dementia progresses into its middle and later stages, there can be further cognitive and behavioral changes. As the person’s abilities continue to decline, feelings of anger may increase due to a fear of being helpless and unable to take care of oneself. The individual may also have more difficulty expressing their thoughts and emotions in ways other than verbal outbursts or physical aggression.
Depression, pain, and unprocessed difficult emotions can all be expressed as anger in dementia.
Anger is a Sign Something is Wrong
People with dementia have more difficulty communicating and often have to show their message via behavior rather than words. Anger can be a sign that something is wrong in their world.
For example, anger can be a sign of:
- Pain: A person with dementia might feel pain but be unable to express it in words.
- Hunger or thirst: If someone is feeling hungry or thirsty, they may become agitated and angry.
- Fatigue: Fatigue or exhaustion can lead to feelings of frustration and anger. When caring for someone with dementia, be sure to plan regular breaks and rest times.
- Environmental triggers: A person may become frightened and angry when exposed to loud noises or bright lights, or when they are in a new and unfamiliar place.
- Depression: Depression can be a major cause of anger in dementia. If you notice signs of depression, seek help from a mental health professional.
- Grief and Loss: Feelings of sadness, loneliness, or grief can quickly turn into anger if they are not properly addressed.
- Frustration: As dementia advances, the person may become increasingly frustrated by their inability to communicate or do things that were once easy for them. It can be easy to become angry when faced with a situation you don’t understand.
- Boredom: Boredom can also lead to feelings of frustration and anger in someone with dementia. It is important to provide activities that are stimulating and enjoyable.
- Overstimulation: Too much stimulation, such as a crowded room or loud noises, can overwhelm the person and cause them to become irritated.
- Feeling insecure: People with dementia may become angry if they feel unsafe or insecure.
- Feeling embarrassed: A person with dementia can easily become embarrassed in certain situations. They may be embarrassed by their lack of physical control or ability to communicate, and this can lead to feelings of anger or frustration.
- Feeling threatened: A person with dementia may become fearful and angry if they feel threatened or attacked. This is common in personal care activities in which they don’t understand what the caregiver is trying to do.
- Unidentified/untreated medical conditions: Infections, high blood sugar, pain, and other medical conditions can also lead to feelings of anger in someone with dementia.
Supportive Routines Can Minimize Anger
Providing a health-supporting routine that meets the person’s needs can help stave off episodes of anger resulting from unmet needs.
Aim for a daily routine that includes:
- Healthy meals and hydration
- Physical activity
- Meaningful pursuits
- Social engagement
- Opportunities for self-expression
- Adequate sleep
- Enough – but not too much – stimulation
It is important to remember that the person is doing their best, but they have no control over their emotions and behavior. Above all, patience and understanding are essential when dealing with someone experiencing dementia-related anger.
How to Respond to Anger in Dementia
Here are some tips on how to respond to anger in dementia:
- Acknowledge the feeling. Let the person know that it’s normal and understandable to be feeling angry.
- Find out what’s causing the anger. Ask questions and listen attentively for clues about what might have triggered their outburst.
- Avoid trying to reason with them, use logic, explain anything, or try to convince them of anything.
- Avoid disagreeing with what they’re saying.
- Remain calm. Even if you’re feeling frustrated, try not to take it out on the individual with dementia. Remaining composed will help them relax as well.
- Provide a distraction or calming activity. This can range from something simple like listening to soothing music together or offering a cup of tea, to more involved activities such as arts and crafts or reading aloud from a book they enjoy.
Who Can Caregivers Turn to for Help Dealing with Anger in Dementia?
Caregivers of individuals with dementia may find it difficult to manage episodes of anger and can benefit from support from a range of different sources. Taking care of your own needs as a caregiver can help you better respond to your loved one in turn.
- Family and friends can provide a great deal of emotional support for the caregiver by simply listening or offering advice on how to better respond.
- Doctors or other healthcare professionals may be beneficial if it becomes necessary to adjust medication dosages.
- Dementia caregiving coaches can help caregivers identify effective strategies to respond to angry behavior in people with dementia and create individualized care plans to support the person’s needs.
- Caregiver support groups can also be helpful for finding resources and getting support from other caregivers who are dealing with similar situations. Talking with people in a similar situation can help to normalize the experience, giving caregivers a sense that they are not alone.
- Respite services can provide temporary relief for those caring for someone with dementia. This allows them to take breaks and get some rest or relaxation time when feeling overwhelmed.
- Mental health professionals and social workers can provide counseling and support for dealing with the difficult feelings that come up when caregiving for someone with dementia who is exhibiting angry moods and behavior.
Summary
No matter what stage of dementia an individual may be in, their angry outbursts are a symptom of their condition, not a personal attack. With the right support from caregivers and family members, these episodes can become easier to manage over time.
Overall, it is important for those caring for someone with dementia to understand that anger is a common emotion associated with the condition and that it can manifest in any stage. By understanding what triggers these episodes, they may be better able to recognize and manage any potential outbursts before they occur.
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This post was previously published on MYCARINGPLAN.COM.
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