What do I do if my parent with dementia gets angry?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to help your dad, who has dementia, but he got angry and started yelling at you.

Dementia behaviors are hard.

Causes & evidence

Caregiver support and medical guidance help. See caregiver stress.

What to do

1. Stay calm and reassure.
2. Look for triggers.
3. Talk to their doctor.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: arguing or correcting him. Stay calm and speak gently. Look for causes like pain, hunger, fear or overstimulation. Redirect to a calming activity. Keep routines steady. Talk to his doctor about changes in behavior. Contact the Alzheimer's Association helpline (1-800-272-3900) for support. Keep your voice low and slow, and use short, simple sentences. Avoid crowding him. Check for physical problems like pain, infections or medication side effects, which can cause sudden behavior changes. Keep the home calm and familiar, with less noise and clutter. Look for patterns in time of day, since some people get more agitated in the late afternoon or evening. If he becomes violent or you feel unsafe, step away and call for help. Take care of yourself and look for support groups.

Speed Man tip: Get respite care.

Wrap-up: Calm. Triggers. Doctor.