Does your loved one with Alzheimer's suddenly become angry? (Alzheimer's Disease) - Let's talk about this

Sometimes you may have noticed that your beloved mother, father, or grandparent suddenly gets angry for no reason. They get angry over small things, scold, maybe throw something in their hand, or even hit you for taking care of them. This type of aggressive behavior is usually seen in the more severe stages of Alzheimer's disease. It's hard to say exactly why this happens. It could be part of the disease itself. Or it could be a reaction to the confusion and frustration they are feeling.

Let's first understand what causes anger.

Aggressive behavior in an Alzheimer's patient can come on suddenly. Sometimes there is no clear cause. But most of the time, we can identify triggers that may have occurred before or during the behavior. Let's take a look at some of these common causes.

Ways to keep your loved one calm

Once you have a rough idea of ​​what the cause is, try to come up with a solution and implement it. If the first thing doesn't work, try something else. Maybe the same solution won't always work. If nothing works, it's best to talk to your doctor for advice.

When there is a conflict with you

• No matter how sad or angry you feel, speak as calmly and respectfully as possible. If necessary, step away for a few minutes, take a deep breath, and come back.
• Even if what they say is false, instead of scolding them, saying, "That's wrong," try to comfort them. Be as patient as possible.
• Instead of forbidding them by saying, "Don't do this," clearly state what you want them to do. For example, instead of saying, "Don't go to the kitchen," ask lovingly, "Shall we sit here on the chair?"

In things like bathing and getting dressed

• Don't do what you're going to do all at once, simply break it down into steps and give instructions one by one.
• The monks should do their work carefully, don't rush them.
• Before touching them, explain what you are going to do in advance, such as "I'm going to wash my hands now. "
• Allow them to make simple choices like, "Do you want to wear this dress or that dress?"

If problems are caused by the environment or routine

• Make a change in your routine. For example, if they get nervous when you go out in the evening, do that thing in the morning.
• Hang something like a cloth over places you don't want them to go (e.g. doors) and close them.
• Limit or completely stop using caffeine and alcohol .
• Turn down the TV and radio when talking to them.
• Make sure there is good lighting inside the house at night.

What do you do if you think someone is in danger?

Here are some things you can do to keep everyone safe.

• Remove dangerous items such as sharp weapons, knives, glassware, and heavy objects from your home and lock them in a safe place.
• Distract them. Go for a walk together, put on a favorite song, or ask for help with your homework.
• If you can't calm them down, let them go. Unless it's a situation where everyone needs to be protected, don't hold them back. Doing so could hurt you or them, and make them angrier.
• If you really want to catch it, get someone else to help if possible. If necessary, tell a nearby neighbor in advance to come and help.

Once the patient has calmed down, check for any cuts or scrapes and treat them as necessary. If these things happen frequently, it is imperative to seek advice from your doctor.

It is very important that you take care of yourself too!

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is not easy. Especially when they are attacking you and yelling at you. It is normal to feel tired, lonely, sad, and frustrated. If you are the one caring for them, please do yourself a favor. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, tired, or irritable, tell someone. The better you feel, the better you can take care of others. Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's, anger, elder care, mental health, memory loss, patient care