Dementia tends to process over several years, depriving people of their most basic brain functions. Signs will start subtle, primarily affecting concentration and confusion. The disease also has a profound impact on people’s emotions, sometimes causing explosive outbursts.
Mood changes will vary between sufferers, as some could remain docile as the disease progresses.
But others may develop sudden episodes of anger, according to health experts.
Dementia-based anger tends to develop during mid-stage progression and in some cases, people may see formerly gentle family members turn violent.
They should never dismiss this anger, as it could indicate potentially serious changes.
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Reduced food intake
Dementia patients who can’t take care of themselves may fail to take adequate nutrition.
Hungry and healthy adults can become moody or easily frustrated when hungry, but the dementia lens can multiply this.
A lack of food, or good food, may amplify their symptoms, angering them.
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Recognition failures
One of the hallmark signs of later stage dementia is a weakened ability to recognise people.
This will prevent people from recognising family members they might usually see every day.
If someone affected by dementia sees someone they perceive as a stranger enter their home, they may react violently.
Hallucination and delusion
Dementia will sometimes cause the brain to experience things that aren’t there.
The disease could cause delusions, paranoia or even hallucinations.
This, in turn, may cause them to lash out at objects or people they alone perceive.