ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the causes of aggressive behaviour in persons with dementia. In the next section, we shall discuss the reactions of the carers to such aggression. Aggressive behaviour in some persons with dementia can sometimes be traced to specific types of brain damage. Another cause of aggressive behaviour is frustration. Increasing closeness lead to considerable damage to an existing emotional bond, or, at the least, to cause it to stagnate. Carers working with people with dementia at home or in care facilities have often had, and continue to have, great difficulty with aggressive behaviour. The important point is that aggressive behaviour causes carers to keep a safe distance from persons with dementia. A carer might feel both frightened and vulnerable, but at the same time feel understanding and compassion for the client. Persons with dementia can sense 'off-handedness'. A few hallmarks of quiet, calm behaviour are the as follows: smooth, slow, graceful movements.
