In advanced stages of dementia it is possible that the person may suffer episodes of aggression. This aggressive senile dementia, when it occurs, generally manifests itself as violent reactions, verbal or physical, towards caregivers or people in the environment.
These behaviors can be very challenging and stressful, both for the person experiencing them and for their caregivers. However, it is important to understand that dementia is a complex condition and that the person is not acting of their own free will, but rather there may be a difficulty or an unmet need that motivates this aggressive reaction.
If you are worried because a loved one is showing symptoms of aggressive senile dementia, in this article we are going to try to provide you with some essential advice to know how to act in these situations and how to try to avoid violent reactions.
Most common symptoms of aggressive senile dementia
When senile dementia reaches an aggressive phase it is possible to detect some symptoms such as:
- Verbal aggression. The person may use aggressive, rude, insulting or threatening language towards others, including caregivers and loved ones.
- Physical aggression. In the most extreme cases of aggressive senile dementia, the person may hit or kick objects in their environment and even scratch, bite or push other people, often for no apparent reason.
- Agitation. People with dementia may feel especially restless or anxious, which may manifest as constant movement, screaming, or general agitation.
- Suspicion and paranoia. It is possible that the elderly person with senile dementia becomes distrustful of the people around them and may even come to believe that others are harming them or conspiring against them.
- Irritability. Irritability is common in people with dementia, and they can become easily angry about everyday situations.
- Changes in personality. Senile dementia can also cause the person to experience changes in their personality, and become more impulsive or temperamental.
- Resistance to care or care. The person may also actively resist receiving help or care, which can make it difficult to receive appropriate care and support.
Tips for acting in front of a person with aggressive senile dementia
It is normal for a loved one’s aggressive senile dementia to affect us and weaken our energies. To try to avoid it, here we propose some tips that can help you:
Understand the reason for their aggressiveness
The first thing we must do is try to understand the person and know how their illness acts in order to understand their behavior and avoid possible attacks.
To begin with, we must understand that the cognitive changes and feelings of the person with senile dementia can affect their character and trigger aggressiveness. The physical pain, frustration and anger due to not being able to perform daily tasks, or the fear and confusion, and delusions and hallucinations, typical of dementia, can lead to phases of aggression and attacks of anger.
Don’t take aggression personally
Try to understand that this aggressiveness is a symptom that accompanies dementia, and that the person does not behave like this voluntarily.
Identify what causes aggressive reactions
Since aggressiveness responds to fear, anger or confusion, it is advisable to try to detect what causes these feelings and distrust. It is not always easy to find out, but we can try to not contradict or confront the person, but rather let them calm down when we see that they are starting to get upset.
So, for example, if the aggressive behavior occurs at night, instead of forcing the person to go to bed and confront it, it would be more appropriate to implement a series of routines (dim light, soft music, putting on pajamas, etc.) and thus you anticipate and avoid what triggers their aggression.
Make sure he feels comfortable
If the person feels uncomfortable or upset and it is not easy for them to communicate, they may feel frustrated, and this discomfort may be the cause of their aggressive reactions. A pleasant, warm and safe environment, as well as following a daily routine, can be of great help for the person with aggressive senile dementia.
Communication and empathy
Maintain calm and understanding communication with the affected person. Try to empathize with their feelings and concerns, and try to patiently explain what you are doing when you provide care or when there is a change in their routine.
Look for conversations or actions that move you to calm
If you see that he is agitated, you should divert his attention by talking to him about any topic that is more pleasant for him and generates a better mood, or you can play music that relaxes him, for example.
Ask for professional help
If you are not able to reduce the aggressiveness of your loved one affected by senile dementia, you can consult with your family doctor or geriatrician. In addition to providing you with more advice to deal with this difficult situation, they will also be able to prescribe medical treatment, if it is necessary to resort to medication.
Treatments for the aggressive phase of senile dementia
There are different medications that are used to control agitation, violent behavior and emotional instability caused by dementia, such as antipsychotic medications, antidepressants or mood stabilizers that can be prescribed by a doctor. However, they should be used with caution and under medical supervision due to possible side effects. Additionally, we must keep in mind that these medicationsshould only be used when other non-pharmacological approaches have failed to improve the symptoms of aggressive senile dementia.
How to improve the quality of life of a person with aggressive behaviors
In addition to the advice discussed to try to avoid or reduce aggression, we can also improve the quality of life of a person with aggressive senile dementia by addressing their emotional and physical needs. For this we can resort to:
Practice physical activity
Exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce irritability in some people.
In addition, regular exercise can contribute to a better pattern of sleep and rest, which can have a positive effect on the behavior of the person with aggressive senile dementia.
And if the physical activity involves cognitive activities, such as dancing, the benefits are even greater, as the activity can provide much-needed additional cognitive stimulation for people with dementia.
Participate in occupational therapies
There are different occupational therapies that seek to improve the person’s movement and also behavior. Music therapy, painting, crafts, etc. They are highly recommended to try to stop cognitive deterioration.
Maintain a tidy and safe home or environment
A tidy and organized environment can provide a safer and less stressful environment, which, in turn, could positively influence the behavior of the person with dementia, as well as helping to reduce the risk of accidents and falls.
Do you need help?
When a loved one reaches senile dementia in the aggressive phase and the situation overwhelms family members and caregivers, it is possible to consider the idea of going to a day center or specialized residence where the person will be cared for by health professionals, occupational therapists and nursing staff. These professionals understand the unique needs of people with senile dementia, and can provide more appropriate, consistent and safe care that helps prevent aggressive behavior and accidents.
At NAMI we offer our seniors different activity programs designed specifically for people with senile dementia. These activities, which we carry out in our Day Centers and Residences, include physical exercise, cognitive stimulation and social activities, which can help reduce aggression by providing a routine and adequate stimulation. In addition, our centers are adapted to the needs of people with aggressive senile dementia and offer access to medical services, if necessary.
