Reversing Alzheimer's Holiday Crash Course

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Dr. Heather Sandison

Reversing Alzheimer's Holiday Crash Course

Let’s make this holiday season the start of a healthier path for you and your loved one.

Join before 12/3, and start reversing cognitive decline together with us!

Learn More

Reversing Alzheimer's Holiday Crash Course

Join before December 3rd at a reduced price of $595!

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frustrated woman

Managing Anger in Alzheimer’s Care

After wrapping up my 4th Reverse Alzheimer’s Summit this April, I took a trip to Japan. I attended a conference and it was an amazing experience, but there’s a lot of anxiety when traveling to another country where you don’t speak the language. The surroundings are unfamiliar, and you feel lost. It’s overwhelming to imagine feeling this every day. 

It’s often the reality for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and it’s a key reason why they may express anger and irritation. Understanding the root causes of these emotions and how to effectively manage them is crucial for caregivers and loved ones.

😠 What Causes Anger and Irritation?

Anger and irritation in individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s are often triggered by various factors, including:

Confusion and Frustration: As cognitive abilities decline, simple tasks become challenging, leading to frustration.

Communication Barriers: Difficulty in expressing needs and understanding others can result in irritation.

Environmental Changes: New or overstimulating environments can cause distress.

Physical Discomfort: Unaddressed pain or discomfort often manifests as anger.

Emotional Distress: Feelings of fear, anxiety, or sadness due to the loss of independence and identity can lead to outbursts.

Effective Strategies for Caregivers and Family Members

At Marama, our caregivers are trained to use a method we call “connection over correction.” This approach emphasizes understanding, empathy, and patience in our interactions with residents.

Instead of correcting behaviors or responses that may seem unusual or confusing, we strive to connect with our residents on a deeper level. We aim to understand their experiences, validate their feelings, and provide comfort and support. This approach helps our residents feel loved, valued, and understood, which can significantly improve their quality of life and contribute to their healing process.

Some strategies that can help manage and mitigate anger and irritation are:

🧘 Stay Calm and Patient: Your demeanor can significantly influence the situation. A calm and patient approach can help de-escalate tension.

👍 Validate Feelings: Acknowledge their feelings and provide reassurance. Simple affirmations like “I understand you’re upset” can be comforting.

🎶 Redirect Attention: Gently shift their focus to a different activity or topic. Engaging in a favorite hobby or listening to music can be effective.

🗣️ Simplify Communication: Use short, simple sentences and offer choices instead of open-ended questions. For example, “Would you like tea or water?” instead of “What would you like to drink?”

🛋️ Create a Soothing Environment: Minimize noise, clutter, and unfamiliar settings. Familiar and comforting surroundings can reduce agitation.

Caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s is challenging. The episodes of anger can sometimes turn violent and abusive. Understanding the root causes of anger and irritation can make a significant difference. By approaching these situations with empathy, patience, and effective strategies, caregivers can create a more positive and supportive environment for their loved ones, lighten one piece of the caregiving load, and help reverse the cognitive decline that causes these situations.

Warmly,
Dr. Heather Sandison

P.S. – For more detailed guidance, consider these valuable resources:

Teepa Snow’s blog offers practical advice on handling frustration and calming outbursts.

The Alzheimer’s Society provides comprehensive information on managing aggressive behavior.

The National Institute on Aging discusses coping strategies for agitation and aggression in Alzheimer’s patients.

And if you follow the protocols outlined in my NY Times Best Seller, Reversing Alzheimer’s, it is possible to reduce or even eliminate these episodes of anger.

References:

Snow, T. (n.d.). 5 Ways to Handle Feelings of Anger and Frustration as a Dementia Care Partner. Retrieved from https://teepasnow.com/blog/5-ways-to-handle-feelings-of-anger-and-frustration-as-a-dementia-care-partner/

Snow, T. (n.d.). How to Calm Angry Outbursts of People Living with Dementia. Retrieved from https://teepasnow.com/blog/how-to-calm-angry-outbursts-of-people-living-with-dementia/

Alzheimer’s Society. (n.d.). Aggressive Behaviour and Dementia. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/aggressive-behaviour-and-dementia

National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Coping with Agitation and Aggression in Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-changes-behavior-and-communication/coping-agitation-and-aggression-alzheimers