Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and anxiety can all come together to make someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia prone to abusive behavior. According to an article published in the BMJ Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry with Practical Neurology, more than 33% of caregivers have been targeted by abusive behavior from their relatives with dementia. This includes verbal abuse, such as shouting or insulting a caregiver, or physical abuse, such as hitting or kicking.

Like agitation and aggression, abusive behavior can have physical or emotional causes. If someone with dementia has soiled undergarments, pain from another medical condition or stiff joints and muscles due to a lack of physical activity, they may be more likely to lash out. They may also be agitated because you’re giving them complex instructions or asking a lot of questions that they don’t understand. Abusive behavior can even occur due to overstimulation. For example, if several people come to visit, your loved one may be triggered by the extra noise.

Responding to Abusive Behavior

If your loved one displays abusive behavior, look for a reason why. They may be upset because they’re in pain, they can’t find something they need or they think someone is threatening them. In some cases, removing sources of overstimulation and taking your loved one to a more familiar environment can help them calm down.

It can be difficult to stay calm when someone is yelling at you or trying to hurt you, but it’s important that you avoid retaliating against your loved one. Speak softly and reassure them that you love them and want to help them. If your loved one continues engaging in abusive behavior, ask other family members for help or call 911 if needed.

‍