top of page

Dementia and Anger

Why does dementia and anger happen?


When someone has dementia, their ability to function well in the world declines. Tasks that we consider simple, like brushing teeth, are actually quite complex. To a person with dementia, it can be difficult to remember all the steps and sequence them properly.


For example, these are the major steps needed to brush teeth:

- Enter the correct bathroom (the one with their toothbrush) - Find switch and turn on light - Locate correct toothbrush (theirs) - Locate toothpaste - Take cap off toothpaste - Put an appropriate amount of toothpaste on toothbrush - Put toothbrush (with toothpaste still on) in mouth and gently brush every tooth surface - Spit out toothpaste - Rinse mouth thoroughly with water – spit, don’t swallow So, even a simple task isn’t that simple

Once we break it down, brushing our teeth is far less simple than we might think.

And, someone with dementia may also have trouble with the smaller steps that make up many of these major steps. When even the most basic parts of the day can be difficult and overwhelming, it’s easy for frustration to build up. When someone with dementia needs to complete yet another “simple” daily task, it could cause an angry outburst.


For example, when you’ve had an extremely stressful day, someone coming to you with even a simple request can cause you to lose your temper – it’s the last straw, right? That’s often what’s happening to seniors with dementia.


Because their world is becoming more confusing and difficult to navigate, it doesn’t take much for them to reach that “last straw” feeling and react with anger.


#indigonursing #nursing #AgingParents #seniorcare #eldercare #dementia #alzheimers #eldercare #elderly #elderlycare #grandparents #careformom #aplaceformom #agingcare #care reposted from DailyCaring.com

8 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Part 4: Caregiving devices and apps are rapidly changing care at home. Try using technology these ways: Medical alert systems (or personal emergency response systems). A wide variety of options are a

Part 3: Keep safety a top priority. Every year, 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 65 fall, so fall prevention is paramount. Many of the modifications listed above help prevent this kind of accident.

Part 2: Make basic home modifications. Use universal design principles to ensure the home is comfortable and safe for people of all ages and abilities. Make any alterations easily adaptable, since ne

bottom of page