As people get older, they can develop various health problems, including mental disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, in some cases, these conditions can result in aggressive behaviour in some people, making it difficult for family members, caregivers and health professionals to provide appropriate care.
What is dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Dementia is a disorder usually caused by damage to the brain as a result of injury or disease. Symptoms include impaired memory and thinking. It also negatively affects behaviour and causes emotional problems. Both of these disorders can lead to aggression. Dementia is diagnosed in a person only when the cognitive decline is greater than the decline that would occur in the person as a result of ageing.
Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a neurodegenerative disease. It is common for it to start slowly and gradually worsen. Alzheimer’s disease is the cause of two-thirds of cases of dementia. It usually starts with short-term memory loss. Eventually, it progresses to disorientation, speech problems, mood swings, and behavioral disorders. The rate of progression varies and life expectancy after diagnosis is usually estimated at three to nine years.
How can we prevent aggressive behaviour?
Due to the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, a senior’s behaviors can escalate and create a risk to the health and safety of the elder or the one caring for them. However, with a little knowledge and the right approach, we can significantly eliminate or completely eliminate this danger. Here are nine convenient ways to achieve this:
1. Keep calm and patient
Aggressive behaviour can be upsetting and difficult to manage. However, it is very important to remain calm and patient. If you react negatively or get upset, it can escalate the situation and increase the person’s anxiety. Take a deep breath and approach the person calmly and gently.
2. Try to identify the cause of aggression
Aggressive behaviour in older people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may have several triggers, such as pain, hunger, frustration or anxiety. Try to find out the cause of the person’s behaviour by asking them if they are in pain or need help. Also look for environmental factors that could cause anxiety, such as loud noises or lights.
3. Redirect the person’s attention
When an older person becomes aggressive, redirecting their attention to another activity will help distract them. You can suggest doing something the person likes, such as listening to music, watching a favourite TV programme or taking a walk outside. Sometimes a change of scenery can help improve the situation.
4. Use a calm tone
When talking to a senior with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it is essential to use a calm tone of voice. Speak slowly and clearly, use short sentences and avoid complex language. This approach can help the senior because they understand you better and it will reduce their anxiety.
5. Provide reassurance and comfort
Aggressive behaviour due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can often be a response to feelings of confusion, fear or loneliness. Providing reassurance and comfort will help a person feel more secure and calm. You can hold his hand, hug him or just sit quietly with him.
6. Seek professional help
If a senior becomes increasingly aggressive, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Health professionals such as doctors, nurses or psychologists can provide support and advice on coping with challenging behaviour and offer medication to reduce anxiety.
7. Consider environmental factors
Environmental factors such as noise, lighting or temperature can also trigger aggressive behaviour in older people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It is best to create a calm and pleasant environment by reducing noise and eliminating clutter, providing adequate lighting and maintaining a comfortable temperature. A clutter-free environment can also reduce the risk of accidents and falls.
8. Use validation therapy
Validation therapy is a communication technique that can help manage aggressive behavior in seniors. This is a special approach to patients with dementia. This technique involves acknowledging the person’s feelings and validating their experiences, even if they are not based in reality. For example, if the person believes they are in a different time or place, you can acknowledge their experiences and give them comfort.
9. Offer interesting activities
Older people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from activities that promote engagement and stimulation. Activities such as colouring, puzzles or crafts will give meaning and reduce feelings of restlessness or upset. They will also help improve cognitive function and promote social interaction.
Although a senior with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may behave unpredictably, you can influence almost any situation if you remain calm and respond appropriately. If you work as caregiver and need help care for an aggressive senior – simply contact the company Atena. We can help you in a variety of ways – contacting family members and providing you with helpful information. And if the senior’s condition becomes so serious that he or she needs to be moved to a medical facility, Atenawill find another person to take care of you and even provide you with free accommodation in case the transfer cannot be made immediately.
