So far I am not seeing this in my husband's behavior but it's a question I am asked by other people often and I just wondered if all Alzheimer patients become abusive or aggressive with this disease?
He is 84 (21 years older than me) and a big man and I do get concerned and wonder how I would handle him if he became that way. He was diagnosed this summer but about 2 years into the disease I think.
Are there caregiver's out there of Alzheimer patients that don't find the patients becoming nasty? The future scares me enough and I sure would feel better if I knew that not everyone gets this way?
My husband had Lewy Body Dementia. He was hospitalized last year and I asked his day shift nurse if she had ever heard of LBD. "Yes," she said, "I had an LBD patient a few years ago. They get really violent, don't they?" I agreed that some do, but that my husband had never shown any tendencies toward aggression. At the end of his stay she said, "I'm glad I got to learn that not all LBD patients are aggressive. Your husband is a real sweetheart!"
I'm sure you will hear horror stories. Most of them are probably true. But they are not applicable to all persons with your husband's disease. Take one day at a time. Be watchful, but not overly frightened.
But you told me what I wanted to hear.... that not EVERYBODY gets violent.
My mom is very combative and has lashed out physically, pushing, shoving, throwing things when she is frustrated by the disease and recognizes her loss of power. Its heartbreaking, frustrating and scary but I try to understand its the disease. Make sure you protect yourself if needed.
If there are people or situations that increase his agitation level; then exclude them. Explain the situation and say NO when you have to without apology. Its about you and your loved one now.
Some drugs can ease any paranoia, hallucinations even at very low doses so consider this if and when the time comes. It takes awhile for their system to adjust so give the meds time and monitor closely with doctor.