A person with dementia can have mood swings, including anger and aggression. It’s stressful and upsetting for the person and their carer. Here’s why it can happen and what you can do to cope…

We often tend to think of dementia as an elderly person’s disease. This isn’t always the case. Dementia can develop in people of any age, and it can be tough to manage. One of the most challenging aspects of dementia is aggression. When a person with dementia becomes aggressive, it can be very scary for them and the people around them.

What causes aggression in dementia?

Many different factors can contribute to aggression in dementia. One of the most common is frustration. When a person with dementia feels like they can’t communicate their needs, it can lead to frustration and then aggression.

Another common cause of aggression is pain. If a person with dementia is in pain, they may become aggressive as a way of trying to get the pain to stop. Unfortunately, they may not be able to let you know they’re in pain. Finally, changes in the brain can also lead to aggression. As the brain deteriorates, it can cause problems with impulse control and decision-making, leading to aggressive behaviour.

How can you deal with aggression?

If you are dealing with an aggressive person with dementia, there are some things you can do to try to calm them down. First, try to understand what is causing the aggression. If it is frustration, see if there is anything you can do to help the person communicate their needs. If it is pain, see if there is anything you can do to help relieve the pain. If the cause of the aggression is unclear, try distracting the person with something they enjoy, such as music. Finally, if nothing works, seek help from a professional carer or doctor.

Bored or restless

When I was caring for my late mum, who had vascular dementia, she would become aggressive if she felt she wasn’t being listened to or if she was bored or restless. A walk during the day would sometimes help and improve her mood.

Dealing with an aggressive person with dementia can be very difficult. It’s essential to try to understand what is causing the aggression to deal with it effectively. If you’re struggling to calm an aggressive person with dementia, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a professional carer or doctor.