Does your loved one or client seem to get angry out of nowhere?

If this sounds like something you're dealing with, in this post, we are going to learn the 4 common signs of anger with dementia patients to look out for so that you can be proactive about calming your person and keeping both of you safe.

I bring you this information as an activity therapist for a psychiatric hospital for geriatrics where calming an angry dementia patient is a daily part of the job and has been thoroughly trained in crisis intervention.

By the way, this thursday at 7:30pm EST, we are having a workshop on Dementia Anger Outbursts:Keeping the Peace for the Holidays

Also as a thank you for spending your time bettering yourself as a caregiver, grab this cheatsheet: Dementia Activities Cheatsheet + Challenging Behaviors Cheatsheet

4 Common Signs of Dementia Anger:

1. Clenched fists

2. Pacing

3. Facial expression

4. Escalating voice

#1 Clenched Fists

When you see this, DO NOT go near them or touch them if you can. If it is safe to keep distance until they unclench their fists, that is the best solution. If it is not safe to leave them alone or for them to be standing on their own with clenched fists, call for help from:

a) Someone else in the home/facility

b) Call a local professional for advice/help specific to your area

c) Call 911 and state they have dementia and you believe they are a danger to themselves, others and that you feel unsafe.

Common triggers for clenched fists:

1. Someone frustrated them for real or imagined reasons

2. They are struggling to do something they were once able to do

3. They feel threatened

If you noticed any of these common triggers, THIS is the time you talk to them, calm them, redirect them and not when you see their fists clenched.

#2 Pacing

While this can also be a response to anxiety or confusion, pacing can amp your loved one or client up and be a sign of anger brewing.

Like with clenched fists, keep your distance and wait until:

Their facial expression and body relax
They sit down

Before you engage them in conversation or attempt to redirect them into a new activity.

If it is unsafe for them to pace and you can, get help in getting them to sit down from:

a) Someone else in the home/facility

b) Call a local professional for advice/help specific to your area

c) Call 911 and state they have dementia and you believe they are a danger to themselves, others and that you feel unsafe.

Common triggers for this could be:

1. Someone frustrated them for real or imagined reasons

2. They are struggling to do something they were once able to do

3. Over stimulation or overwhelm with the environment

4. Not having the words or other ways to express

If you noticed any of these common triggers, THIS is the time you talk to them, calm them, redirect them or when pacing very first starts and not after 20 minutes of pacing.

#3 Facial Expressions

When you see an angry facial expression, this can be one of the first signs of anger starting up. Unlike the other signs, as long as you don’t see anything else, talking to them is the right first step.

Asking them what is wrong or how you can help is a great start. If you wait 30 seconds to a minute listening before you respond, you have the highest chance of figuring out what is wrong and calming them down.

If facial expressions are with the other signs, keep your distance or get help if you can't keep distance.

Common Triggers for facial expressions are:

Over stimulation or overwhelm with the environment
Not having the words or other ways to express
A person or event (real or imagined) triggered them
Pain or discomfort
Over stimulation or overwhelm with the environment
Not having the words or other ways to express

#4 Raised Voice

If your person with dementia is yelling or raising their voice:

Don't yell back
Keep calm
Listen to them until you hear a pause, then ask for clarification (in simple words) or assure them you will help
If none of this work, give space until they calm

So there you have it, 4 warning signs and triggers for dementia anger outbursts to look out for:

Clenched fists
Pacing
Facial expression
Escalating voice

Try at least 1 of these 4 strategies and see if you can get yourself a win with your loved one or client.

If you do, make sure to comment that win down below and while your at it, join my facebook group and share it with our community as well by clicking the link below.