Aggressiveness is a symptom that families and nursing staff often have difficulties with. Aggressiveness may be expressed verbally and/or physically. Aggressive behaviour can have various causes, such as pain, depression, or a misunderstanding (between the carer or vice versa). The lack of insight resulting from the disease can lead to frustration. Another reason may be agnosia – in other words, an impaired ability to interpret sensory impressions.
Try to investigate the causes of the aggressiveness so that the right measures can be taken. Is it discomfort? What causes it? Is the person tired or hungry? Does he/she feel disoriented or unsafe?
Try to withhold your own anger, if you feel it. A person with dementia may respond to your emotions with aggression because he/she feels oppressed or misunderstood.
Try to provide a distraction by doing something else.
Try some relaxing or enjoyable activity.