Wandering isn’t the only concern for people with dementia and the people who love them. You may have noticed that your loved one becomes agitated or exhibits increased aggression after an Alzheimer’s disease or dementia diagnosis.

Agitation isn’t just a symptom — it’s a behavioral syndrome that causes restlessness, increased aggression, emotional distress and uncontrolled motor activity. According to an article published in Frontiers in Neurology, agitation occurs in approximately 30% to 50% of people with Alzheimer’s disease, 40% of people with frontotemporal and vascular dementia, and in 30% of those with Lewy body dementia.

Causes of Agitation and Aggression

People with dementia might develop agitation and aggression for a variety of reasons:

• Increased stress
• Pain caused by arthritis and other medical conditions
• Incontinence
• Altered sleep habits
• Constipation
• Loss of independence
• Confusion
• Isolation/loneliness
• Medication interactions

How to Respond to Agitation and Aggression

If your loved one becomes agitated or displays aggressive behavior, it’s important to respond with patience and compassion. The aggression may get worse if you show that your feelings are hurt or try to push them to behave in a different way. Let your loved one know that you value their feelings and will do everything in your power to help them.

The National Institute on Aging also recommends the following:

• Allow your loved one to keep as much of their independence as is safe.
• Establish a routine for your loved one to follow each day. Knowing what to expect can prevent your loved one from getting confused and becoming agitated.
• Make sure your loved one gets plenty of quiet time each day. If you plan an outing, make sure you don’t have activities planned one after the other. A lack of quiet time can lead to aggressive behavior.
• Surround your loved one with photographs and other mementos to remind them of the good times they’ve had.
• Eliminate clutter from your loved one’s home. Too many items can make it difficult to navigate a house or apartment, leading to frustration that can cause agitation.
• Make sure your loved one eats plenty of nutritious food with low levels of sugar and caffeine.

How to Get Help

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If you have trouble coping with your loved one’s agitation and aggression, contact a trusted family member for support. You should also contact your loved one’s doctor to let them know about the increased aggression. Since aggression can indicate that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are progressing, the doctor may be able to prescribe medications or recommend other treatment options.

It can be difficult to cope with agitation and aggression, especially if they occur frequently. The National Institute on Aging operates the Alzheimer’s and Dementias Education and Referral Center. If you need extra support, call the ADEAR Center at (800) 438-4380 for information on local resources.

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