Alzheimer?s Patients And Verbal Abuse: How To Deal With It
Abuse of any kind is difficult to deal with. Types of verbal abuse can include the following:
- Does your loved one ignore your feelings?
- Is he disrespectful?
- Does he withhold approval, appreciation or affection?
- Does he walk away without answering you?
- Does he criticize you, call you names or yell at you?
- Does he humiliate you in public or in the privacy of your home?
- Does he tell you that you are too sensitive?
- Does he destroy furniture or punch holes in the walls?
These are some of the signs, but there are many more that may be observed. Abuse is difficult to deal with if the abuser has Alzheimer's disease since the abuser can't really control it.
If a person with Alzheimer's becomes verbally abusive, it may be because he is suffering from depression or aggressive behavior caused by the disease. In this case you might want to involve your doctor and let him know the situation. He may be able to prescribe an anti-depressive medication or simply change the current medication. You may want to take a break from your loved one, as sometimes caring all the time for the same person can be exhausting. Or you can try to place your loved one in an adult day care, or hire some professional help. Make sure that substitute caregivers are knowledgeable about Alzheimer's disease and know how to handle patients with dementia.
One way to deal with the situation before it becomes a big problem is to try humor. You cannot control how your loved one is acting but you can decrease the feelings of frustration by controlling how you respond. Try to validate your loved one's feelings; it will definitely help him. Many times, people with Alzheimer's are so frustrated that they act it out through verbal abuse and aggression. Put yourself in his place. It is very frustrating!
The most important thing you have to remember is not to talk "down" to your loved one because he is still a person with an entire life history of success and independence. If you see that what you are trying to do or say to him is not working, just let it go for a while, step out of the room and come back later. Let your loved one calm down and relax. You may want to try music. Studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients often find music relaxing.
Finally, if you still feel overwhelmed, join a support group that specifically deals with verbal abuse and learn how to cope with it. Many times other people in the group will have experienced the same ordeal with their loved ones. Group members may be able to counsel you on how they coped or dealt with this kind of behavior.
This group will also help you to deal with your emotions and frustrations. They will tell you how to control them, and once you are able to deal with your own feelings, then you will be more effective coping with your loved one's behavior.
About The Author
William G. Hammond, JD is a nationally known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer's Resource Center. He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's. For more information you can visit his website at www.BeatAlzheimers.com.
Latest News
Romney's Alternative Auto Rescue Plan FOXNews - This is a rush transcript from "Your World With Neil Cavuto," November 19, 2008. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. ... |
![]() ABC News | Alternative core inflation gauge sees biggest drop ever MarketWatch - By Rex Nutting WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- An alternative measure of core inflation, which doesn't automatically exclude food and energy costs, ... Video: Consumer Prices Drop Record 1 Percent in October So much for inflatiion |
For IRA Investors, a Stock-Market Alternative: High-Yielding Notes ... MarketWatch - It provides education in investment alternatives but it does not sell specific investments or investment advice. CM Yates, led by Christopher Yates, ... |
![]() ABC News | UPDATE 1-W.House backs Republican alternative on auto aid Reuters - WASHINGTON, Nov 19 (Reuters) - The White House said on Wednesday it supported an alternative Republican proposal for aid to the auto industry that would ... Video: Auto CEOs Tell Congress Why They Need $25b US Automaker Executives Plead for Aid as Hopes Fade for Speedy Action |
Madison County Wind for Schools Project Brings Alternative Energy ... MarketWatch - A regional partnership will install small wind turbines at three schools in Madison County and develop a K-12 alternative-energy curriculum as part of an ... |
![]() ABC News | Senate Republicans drafting alternative $25 billion aid package DetNews.com, MI - WASHINGTON -- The Bush Administration has sent language to Capitol Hill for an alternative auto aid package that would drop the fuel-efficiency requirements ... A Rational Alternative to the Auto Industry Bailout Levin warns not to kill auto aid US automakers' rescue stalls in Senate |
UK pension fund USS eyes alternative assets boost Reuters - By Cecilia Valente LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Britain's second-largest pension scheme is mulling a sharp boost in alternative assets such as private equity ... |
![]() Washington Post | Montgomery Lawmaker Touts Alternative to Ambulance Fee Washington Post, United States - By Ann E. Marimow Montgomery County Council member Phil Andrews today introduced what he called an alternative to a proposed ambulance fee that would ... Red-light cameras mulled as source of EMS funding |
JA Solar says it plans to work with BP CNNMoney.com - NEW YORK (Associated Press) - JA Solar Holdings Co. and an alternative-energy subsidiary of oil giant BP PLC said Thursday they plan to jointly develop and ... JA Solar and BP Intend to Form Long-Term Agreement |
Grand Rapids' alternative ed programs face change The Grand Rapids Press - MLive.com, MI - The specialized schools are part of a 16-point plan to better serve alternative education students and includes extensive use of technology, better-trained ... |
Resources
-
Alcoholism Drug Addiction Treatment Recovery alternative
Alcoholism and drug addiction is not a disease but a choice. Empowering and practical approach.
-
Self-Healing Expressions - spiritual healing, new age healing, holistic health, holistic education
Self-Healing Expressions provides spiritual healing, new age gifts, guided meditation and holistic education through courses dealing with alternative healing, new age healing, holistic health and healing prayer.
-
IndexCB
Comprehensive Information on Conquering Menopause
-
Shiprock Institute,Inc.Metaphysics and Natural Wellness Center
All you wanted to know about metaphysics and natural wellness from astrology to synchronicity.Free readings.Free newsletter.Metaphysical and alternative wellness supplies.Holistic wellness consults.Virtual art gallery
-
alternative Energy - Understanding and Installing Solar Power
alternative Energy Resources explains solar electric systems; includes info, charts, worksheets, and resources
-
Richardson Cancer Diet - alternative Cancer Treatment
Dr. Janet Starr Hull presents The Richardson Cancer Diet, an alternative cancer ediet to help the body fight cancer. Ebook features cancer fighting foods, tools, resources and more.
-
Complete Guide to the World of alternative Cancer Therapy
How to avoid information overload and beat cancer with inexpensive, proven, alternative treatments, doctors, clinics and medicines
-
Hope For Healing Liver Disease in Your Dog!
alternative treatment for Canine Liver Disease
-
Cancer Cure Secrets
Suppressed, new, alternative and natural cancer cures!
-
Credit reports, credit repair, debt management, negotiations and other financial services.
Fixing your credit for much less and protect your personal financial information: a cheaper alternative to credit repair. Use our self help credit education and have better credit for less. Avoid credit scams and high fees by using Carreon and Associates



