Fact 3. Differentiating Agitation from Aggression
In the realm of dementia, it’s vital to distinguish between agitation and aggression. While they often occur together, understanding their unique characteristics can help caregivers and healthcare professionals implement effective care strategies.
Agitation is usually characterized by feelings of restlessness and nervousness, often manifesting in non-violent ways like repetitive movements, wandering, or vocal outbursts. Agitation tends to be more inwardly focused, driven by the individual’s internal feelings of discomfort, distress, or confusion.
On the other hand, aggression is a reactive behavior, often in response to a perceived threat or frustration. Aggression in dementia may involve hitting, biting, kicking, or other physically harmful behaviors. Unlike agitation, aggressive behaviors often pose immediate safety risks to the individual and those around them.
The key takeaway here is that while both behaviors are challenging to manage, understanding their unique origins and manifestations can help tailor intervention strategies. For instance, non-pharmacological interventions might be sufficient to manage agitation, while aggression might require a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. (3)
