Dementia support: understanding and responding to distressed behaviour

Signs of distressed behaviour

Distressed behaviour can occur in some people with a dementia. 

Common signs of distressed behaviour are:

• shouting
• screaming
• using offensive language

This can include:

• continually calling out for someone
• shouting the same word
• repetitive screaming

Causes of distressed behaviour

There are different causes of distressed behaviour, including:

• fear or embarrassment
• frustration with a situation
• depression
• no other way to express themselves
• loss of judgement
• loss of inhibitions and self-control
• in pain but unable to communicate this effectively

Responding to distressed behaviour

If someone with dementia shows distressed behaviour, you can

• figure out what upset them and try to avoid these triggers
• stay calm and don't argue or act aggressively as this can make things worse
• leave the room or retreat from the situation
• remember that even if their aggression seems personal or intentional, it’s because of the distress
• act normally when they calm down to help you both move on
• use a night light to help them feel safer at night

Medicine for dementia-related behaviour 

If the person’s behaviour is harmful to themselves or others, and all methods of calming them have been tried, a doctor may prescribe medication.

If you want information about drugs to help manage behavioural symptoms of dementia, or you’re concerned about the side effects of medication, speak to their GP.

Encouraging someone with a dementia to communicate 

Dementia affects how people remember and understand basic everyday facts including:

• names
• dates
• places

All behaviour is a form of communication.

A person living with a dementia may act out because they can't explain what they need.

By communicating well with a person living with a dementia, you can help increase their understanding and wellbeing.

Help and support 

People living with a dementia can experience mood swings as they cope with their condition.

They might feel sad,angry, scared or frustrated as the disease progresses.

As a carer, seeing their behaviour change can also be hard and distressing.

It's important to know that help is available. Talk to someone about your worries.

This could be a family member or friend, a member of your local dementia support group or your GP, who can refer you to a counsellor in your area.

You can find further information on dementia and support services available at the link below:

• Help and support for people living with a dementia