New Help for Dealing with Aggression in People with Dementia

Dementia is not a singular disease but rather a comprehensive term encompassing a spectrum of symptoms that individuals may experience when affected by various illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease. The conditions grouped under the umbrella of "dementia" arise from abnormal changes in the brain and are marked by a significant decline in cognitive abilities, and may also impact emotions, personality, and behavior. A 2020 study found that 90% of people living with dementia experience behavioral symptoms such as agitation and aggression (Marcinkowska et al., 2024).

Aggression is a common symptom of dementia and is not limited to a single stage, however potential timing and type of aggression also depend on the type of dementia a person has. For example, frontotemporal dementia tends to cause behavior and mood changes early while those with Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to display memory changes first, with behavioral changes appearing later (Kumar et al., 2024). Aggressive behavior in people with dementia can be verbal or physical, which may manifest as yelling, hitting, or other combative behaviors which may present significant emotional and physical strain on caregivers.

Aggressive behavior can occur suddenly or in response to a frustrating situation including physical discomfort, environmental factors, sudden changes, and poor communication. These triggers can cause feelings of sadness, fear, confusion, anxiety, and anger which may lead to aggressive behavior. For instance, if the person has always valued their privacy and independence, then being helped with eating or bathing might cause them to become angry. While caregivers cannot stop dementia-related symptoms, they can learn to understand reasons for behaviors and develop strategies to cope with them.

A new online resource, known as DICE (Describe, Investigate, Create, Evaluate), focuses on understanding and addressing the root causes of distressing behaviors (Graham, 2024). The DICE Approach, emphasizes the importance of examining issues from multiple perspectives: the person with dementia, the caregiver, and the environment. By doing so, caregivers can identify specific triggers and develop strategies to mitigate aggressive behaviors.

Support and resources for caregivers are essential and as important as the person they’re caring for. Best Programs for Caregiving is a valuable tool that finds Dementia Care programs for caregivers based on their location. Support groups, whether in-person or online, offer a platform to share experiences and strategies with others in similar situations. These resources can help caregivers feel less isolated and more equipped to handle the challenges they face.

References

Graham, J. (2023). New Help for Dealing With Aggression in People With Dementia. KFF Health News. Retrieved from https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/dementia-aggression-caregiver-resources-help/

Marcinkowska M, Śniecikowska J, Fajkis N, et al. (2020). Management of Dementia-Related Psychosis, Agitation and Aggression.  CNS Drugs. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-020-00707-7

Kumar A, Sidhu J, Lui F, et al. (2024). Alzheimer Disease. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499922/