Here are some dementia caregiver tips on managing aggressive behaviour related to elderly dementia.
<div class="ExternalClassC9798D1D620841E7B8C61F8963244AFC"><p>Some persons with dementia may display or experience some levels of agitation and aggression towards their family members or caregivers at some point. They can be defined as below: </p><h3>Agitation</h3><p>is a set of behaviours that involve a person with dementia experiencing verbal or motor anxiety.</p><h3>Aggression</h3><p>is a further level of agitation in which the behaviours can be expressed through verbal abuse, threats, damaging property, physical violence towards another person or over-reacting to minor setback or criticism.</p><h3>Agitation and Aggression may be caused by: </h3><ul><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Disease progression of dementia causing loss of control over behaviour.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Physical discomfort such as pain, fever, illness or constipation.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Fatigue due to sleep deprivation.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Defensive behaviour when independence and freedom are threatened.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Frustration due to inability to cope with daily tasks.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Fear of surroundings or people as the person with dementia can no longer recognise them.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Adverse reaction to medications.</li></ul><h3>Tips on Managing Agitation and Aggression</h3>
<p>Dealing with aggressive behaviour is not easy. It is always useful to identify what triggers the aggression and find effective ways to manage it. </p><p>It is important to know that it can be a form of communication depending on how a person with dementia behaves. If we can establish what he/she is trying to communicate, it may prevent them from feeling frustrated and acting aggressively.</p><h3>Below are some ways to manage such behaviour: </h3><ul><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Identify or be aware of signs or behaviour indicating agitation or aggression. Distract the person with dementia early with appropriate activities before his/her outburst.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Ensure the environment is safe by keeping away dangerous items such as scissors, knife or any sharp objects.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Stay calm and do not get into an argument. A heated response from you may make the situation worse.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Approach your loved one slowly; reassure him/her and acknowledge that he/she is upset.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">If the person with dementia gets agitated/aggressive when you are caring for him/her, </li><ul><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Explain your actions, in short, simple sentences such as “I am going to help you remove your shirt” or “We are here to help you”.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Ask yourself if what you are doing for the person really needs to be done at that moment.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Give him/her some time and space and return in a while to try again gently.</li></ul><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">If the person with dementia gets physically abusive</li><ul><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Make some space between you and the person with dementia (at least one arm-length) to prevent yourself from getting physically injured.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Do not try to restrain or restrict the outburst of anger unless he/she is causing harm to him/herself or others.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Call for help if needed.</li></ul><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Ensure your loved one’s needs are met, such as hunger, thirst, sufficient sleep.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Try to maintain consistency in their daily routines, environment and carers.</li><li style="margin-bottom:10px;">Ensure the medical conditions and medications of the person with dementia are reviewed regularly by the doctor.</li></ul><p>
<em>Read the </em>
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/sites/assets/Assets/PDFs/EHA%20and%20CGH/CGH%20-%20Managing%20Agitaton%20and%20Aggression%20in%20Dementia_Brochure_FA_Low-Res.pdf" target="_blank">
<em>original article here</em></a>.</p><p>
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<strong>Read these next:</strong></p><ul><li>
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/757/dementia-role-reversal-who-is-the-carer-now">Dementia Role Reversal: Who Is the Caregiver Now?</a>
</li></ul></div>
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Managing Agitation and Aggression in Dementia
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