Alzheimers Aggression: What The Family Should Know

July 13th, 2017 by admin

Alzheimer's is a devastating disease. In fact, it is the among the top 10 causes of death in the United States with no cure, preventative measures, or even a way to stall progress.

Watching a loved one suffering through Alzheimer's can be devastating for the family. Feelings of guilt or a misunderstanding of the disease might cause families to avoid seeking help from Alzheimer's care centers and assisted living facilities.

But proper Alzheimer's care is important not just for the well being of the patient, but for the family as well.

Alzheimer's aggression is one of the least understood symptoms of the disease and also one of the most dangerous. The aggression can manifest itself in a wide number of ways, including swearing, hitting, pushing, throwing things, biting, screaming, and more. For families, this can be devastating.

One of the big causes of confusion is a misconception about what Alzheimer's is. As Hajjar said, "The public thinks Alzheimer's is a memory disease. But, in fact, there are lots of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Alzheimer's patients often develop delusions. They think their family is stealing things from them, for example. And they get very aggressive and irritable towards their spouse."

Old memories might also return, but outside of context. Someone who suffered violence 30 years ago might find themselves back in those same environments. They might genuinely believe they are protecting themselves.

Those who are unable to communicate also tend to display more aggression, especially if their needs aren't being properly met.

That is why it is so important that caring for dementia and Alzheimer's be undertaken by professionals who understand the more extreme symptoms and are better equipped to handle them.

Those working at memory care homes have a number of tools at their disposal which are designed to prevent this aggression when possible and mitigate it when it occurs. These tools range from ignoring the outbursts to learning common triggers to better avoid outbursts.

For the family of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it can be overwhelming. It is easy to want to ignore the effects, the memory slips, the loss of understanding, even the abuse, but it is important that those suffering receive proper Alzheimer's care.

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