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Aggression, whether verbal or physical, is just one of the many serious affects in the form of Alzheimer's. These feelings of aggression can come from the frustration that one feels while having Alzheimer's.
Caretakers should create a safe environment by clearing the room of sharp objects and speaking to the person in a calm manner. The caretaker should also figure out what is causing this bout of aggression and make the appropriate changes.
Often times, aggression is a consequence of the person's physical discomfort due to Alzheimer's that they are having difficulty putting into words. In this situation it is wise to go to a doctor as their may be a medical reasoning to the person's discomfort and therefore, the aggression.
When the aggression becomes violent, family members are forced to put their loved one on medications.
One thing that is important for all caregivers to remember is that this behavioral change of aggression is not on purpose. Those with Alzheimer's deal with intense feelings of failure, depression, etc. that caregivers must deal with the utmost sensitivity when dealing with such situations.
If you know an elderly person who is having trouble managing their finances, it does not mean that they are careless, but it could mean something more serious. A recent survey printed in Neurology, the journal of American Academy of Neurology by the University of Alabama, Birmingham, showed that if an elderly person is having difficulties with managing their finances, it may be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's.The researched surveyed 87 people with mild cognitive impairment and 76 people with no memory problems. The subjects were observed while balancing a checkbook, understanding bank statements, paying bills, preparing the bills to be mailed, and counting coins. Over the year that they were observed, 25 of those with MCI had advanced into Alzheimer's.
The director of University of Alabama, Birmingham, Daniel Marson, explained, "Declining financial skills are detectable in patients with mild cognitive impairment in the year before their conversion to Alzheimer's disease."
Therefore, it is very important to keep an eye on the elderly persons in your family, to make sure that they are able to manage their money matters, before it turns into something serious.
Kathy Johnson, PhD, CMC
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