The Bad Days: Agressive or Angry Behavior

Here are some tips you can use to deal with your loved one's anger and frustration. Remember to look for triggers of the behavior and write it down so you can remember why it seemed to occur and then try to avoid the trigger in tghe future.

1. Try to anticipate situations in which your loved one may be uncomfortable, overstimulated, or confused.
2. Avoid asking too many questions at once, giving overly complicated instructions, and speaking negatively. That way, you are less likely to confuse and agitate him or her.
3. Limit the amount of loud noises, frenetic movement, and clutter.
4. Don’t contradict. People  with Alzheimer’s disease see a different reality than you do. Rather than challenge that reality, sit and listen. Ask questions about it.
5. Focus on the past. Alzheimer’s affects short-term memory. It’s often easier and less stressful for someone with Alzheimer’s disease to recall and talk about distant memories than it is for them to remember what they watched on TV the night before.
6. Use memory cues. As the disease progresses, your loved one's ability to remembering to do and how to do everyday tasks like brushing your teeth or getting dressed becomes more difficult. Reminder notes and room signs placed in key locations can help prevent frustration.