There is a definite connection between Alzheimer's and anger. As a patient moves through the stages of Alzheimer's disease, anger is a common issue for a variety of reasons, and it can often lead to outbursts and aggressive behavior. As the disease progresses, the person's ability to perform many of the activities of daily living deteriorates and leads to increased dependence on others, which can also bring about angry reactions to the loss of independence. Additionally, most patients experience profound memory loss and confusion, as well as reduced ability to control their emotions and behavior. Caregivers should be aware of the connection between Alzheimer's and anger, and should seek guidance from professionals concerning strategies for managing this issue.
When a patient has Alzheimer's disease, anger can be a serious issue in many cases. The relationship between Alzheimer's and anger is often causative. In some cases, patients experience anger in reaction to the disease, and, in others, it is a symptom of the illness itself. Frequently, the anger that patients with Alzheimer's experience can lead to outbursts and episodes of aggressive or violent behavior. Sometimes, patients can be dangerous to themselves or to those around them.
Alzheimer's disease can affect a patient's entire life, and it is a life-altering diagnosis. In addition to the stereotypical memory problems, patients can experience a tremendous array of physical and psychological symptoms that can cause deterioration of their abilities to perform many of the functions of daily living. These changes in a patient's ability to function often lead to an increased necessity of depending on others for many activities that the person used to be able to perform in an independent manner. In cases like this, the connection between Alzheimer's and anger is seen in the patients' normal and natural reaction to the changes in their lives, such as the loss of independent functioning.
Another troubling issue that arises in patients with Alzheimer's disease is the memory loss and confusion. These symptoms are hallmarks of the disease, and gradually increase in severity and intensity over time. Often they are accompanied by loss of the patient's ability to control emotions and behavior as well. This can lead to anger that is much more intense than that of the average individual, as well as increasing the patient's tendency to act on that emotion. Often in Alzheimer's patients, this can manifest as angry outbursts accompanied by aggressive or even violent behavior.
It is important for caregivers to be knowledgeable about the connection between Alzheimer's and anger. As their loved one lives with the disease, the caregiver may have to take steps to protect the patient from causing harm to self or others. It's a good idea to consult medical professionals involved with the patient's care to find out about ways to deal with this issue.
