Alzheimer’s Aggression Sometimes, people with Alzheimer’s disease lash out for no clear reason. They may get upset or angry easily. They may curse, hurl insults, or scream. They might even throw things or resist caregivers by pushing and hitting. This kind of aggression usually starts when people get to the later stages of the disease.

No one knows for sure why it happens. Aggression may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease itself. It could also be a reaction when a person feels confused or frustrated.

Recommended Related to Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's and Sleep Problems

People with Alzheimer’s disease go through many changes, and sleep problems are often some of the most noticeable.Most adults have changes in their sleep patterns as they age. But the problems are more severe and happen more often for people with Alzheimer’s. You might notice that your loved one: Sleeps a lot more than usual, including taking naps during the day. This is common for people in the early stages of the disease. Has trouble falling asleep or wakes up a lot at night. When...

Read the Alzheimer's and Sleep Problems article > >

If your loved one becomes aggressive, it’s important to remember that she isn’t doing it on purpose. There are also things you can do to make her feel better and keep outbursts from happening.

Understand the Triggers

Alzheimer’s aggression can flare up without warning. There may not be an obvious cause. But many times, there are triggers you can spot before or during a problem. Common ones include:

• Discomfort from lack of sleep, side effects from medication, or pain that she can’t describe
• The environment around her, including loud noises, too much activity, or clutter
• Confusion from being asked too many questions at once, trying to understand complex instructions, or feeling the stress of caregivers

Tips to Ease Alzheimer’s Aggression

Once you understand the triggers for Alzheimer’s aggression, you can take steps to prevent it. A few things to try:

1. Think ahead of time if a situation might make your loved one uncomfortable, overstimulated, or confused.
2. Don’t ask too many questions at once, give instructions that are too complex, or criticize. That way, you’re less likely to confuse and upset the person you are caring for.
3. Limit the amount of loud noises, activity, and clutter around her.
4. Don’t argue. People with Alzheimer’s disease see a different reality than you do. Rather than challenge them about it, sit and listen. Ask questions about it.
5. Focus on the past. Alzheimer’s affects short-term memory, so it’s often easier and less stressful for someone to recall and talk about distant memories than what they watched on TV the night before.
6. Use memory cues. As the disease gets worse, remembering when and how to do everyday tasks like brushing teeth or getting dressed gets harder. Reminder notes around the house can help prevent frustration.