Simply having dementia doesn’t mean your older loved one will have unexpected mood swings or outbursts of anger. That being said, it’s possible for such behaviour to become an issue in seniors with forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, that normally progress and trigger increasingly severe symptoms as more changes take place within the brain. Here’s a closer look at why this sometimes happens and what can be done about it.
Physical Triggers
Some seniors in the later stages of dementia become angry if they’re experiencing physical discomfort. This is more likely to happen if your loved one is no longer able to clearly verbalize what’s going on. In some cases, an inability to do certain physical tasks may trigger an outburst. You may be able to manage situations like this by:- Doing a quick check to see if you notice anything that could be causing your loved one physical distress
- Gently helping with a physical task your loved one is having difficulty with
- Seeking input from a doctor if angry outbursts suddenly become worse to rule out possible medical reasons
Emotional Triggers
It’s more common for anger in older adults with dementia to have an emotional source. For instance, your loved one may feel overwhelmed or may not know how to express his or her feelings about a particular situation. Loneliness and boredom can contribute to angry outbursts as well. Possible solutions include:- Sticking to one topic in each conversation
- Minimizing distractions in your loved one’s immediate environment
- Planning regular activities throughout the day to minimize boredom and loneliness
- Looking for visual clues such as facial expressions to tell if it’s time to switch activities or give your loved one a break
Mental Triggers
Older adults with dementia sometimes reach a point where they mix up their emotions and memories. The result could be outbursts due to confusion or a change in the immediate environment, such as being taken into an unfamiliar room or living space. Angry outbursts of this nature may be minimized by:- Maintaining a consistent schedule to minimize confusion
- Using comforting touches as you offer verbal reassurances in a calm, relaxed tone
- Considering in-home care so your loved one can stay in a familiar living space
- Using calming techniques such as playing soothing music
No Clear Reason
There may be times when you’re simply unable to find out why your loved one is having an angry outburst. First, make sure your loved one isn’t in any clear physical discomfort. If you’ve eliminated physical issues, revert to general recommendations for handling moments of anger, which include:- Remaining calm and not getting angry in return
- Not making any physical contact unless your personal safety is in danger
- Giving yourself and your loved one time to calm down by leaving the room for a while, if possible