Managing Aggressive Behavior in Alzheimer’s Patients

What do we mean by ‘Aggressive’?
• Becoming easily irritated, and lashing out to other individuals in a physically and mentally abusive manner.
• Threatening others when the Alzheimer’s patient is in the presence of other individuals
• Lashing out at others for no particular reason.
Here are 3 ways to deal with this unsuspecting violent behavior:
1. Do not react back with aggression. It is important to note that these individuals are not fully aware of what they are doing, so do not take it personally. Stay calm and react in a calm and collected manner and make sure to take a deep breath. If you react calmly and soothe them, this will eventually result in them becoming calm as well.
2. Find out what triggers the aggressive episodes. Watch out for the specific warning signs. If the Alzheimer’s patient looks restless or agitated, talk to them immediately and reassure them that everything is going to be okay. If there’s a specific phrase, song or even person who calms them, make sure to bring that to surface before they become aggressive.
3. Stay in a relaxed and peaceful state of mind. It can prove to be difficult at times to stay calm when a person is coming at you in an aggressive manner, so make sure you are prepared for this ahead of time. You cannot help others before you help yourself, so some suggestions to reach that tranquil state before dealing with the patient is: get plenty of rest, try to meditate or do yoga, talk to a close friend or family member about issues and finally educate yourself as much as you can on this illness.
Resources: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=96
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/30/alzheimers.violence.caregiving/index.html

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