Are Alzheimer's patients violent?

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease of the brain. People diagnosed with will lose their memories and not remember how to take care of themselves. There are various stages of Alzheimer’s. The first stage is where people are more forgetful, but they are aware they have the disease. In the final stages, a person will forget how to swallow, memories, feed themselves, and even how to go the bathroom. Every person is affected differently.

Some people with Alzheimer’s are violent.  As the disease gets worse, a person can become more frustrated. You may see behaviors you have never witnessed before, such as cursing, hitting, spitting, and kicking. Often a person with Alzheimer’s will not be aware of how they are acting. Not all Alzheimer’s patients will be violent. Some people become much more pleasant and happier in their emotions.  Every person has different symptoms. It is not uncommon for someone’s personality to change. Sometimes very nice people become combative and vice versa.  Research shows that as the disease progresses, frustration levels may rise, and a person with Alzheimer’s may react in more angry and violent ways. It is important to tell your doctor and caregivers what is going on. While there is no cure, and it is hard to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s, there are ways to help. Some people become nervous and afraid around someone who is acting out with Alzheimer's. This can be normal as it can be scary. The most important thing is to keep yourself and the patient safe. It is okay to call 911 if you feel someone will get hurt. This is helping the person. If you feel afraid, reach out and talk to someone. Chances are your loved ones feel the same way. There is help in the community and with therapists. You can find many therapists on Better Help who can help during this time. Also, to learn more, you can visit the Alzheimer’s Association's website at: https://act.alz.org/site/.