Why is my grandmother with dementia getting angry when I remind her of something?

Grandma’s Anger: Understanding Dementia’s Tricky Side

When your grandmother with dementia gets angry after you remind her of something, it’s not because she’s mad at you. Her brain is going through some big changes, and sometimes that makes her react in ways that might seem strange or hurtful.

Think of it like this: your grandma’s mind is like a puzzle with some pieces missing. When you remind her of something, it’s like you’re pointing out a gap in the puzzle. This can make her feel confused, frustrated, or even scared. She might not remember forgetting in the first place, so your reminder feels like it’s coming out of nowhere.

Dementia messes with how people understand what’s happening around them. Your grandma might think she already did the thing you’re reminding her about, or she might not recognize why it’s important. This can make her feel like you’re bossing her around or treating her like a child, which nobody likes.

Also, as dementia progresses, it gets harder for people to control their emotions. Your grandma might get angry more easily than she used to, even over small things. It’s not that she wants to be angry – her brain just can’t handle stress or surprises as well anymore.

Here’s the tricky part: your grandma probably doesn’t realize she’s forgetting things. When you remind her, it might make her feel embarrassed or upset about losing control. Nobody likes feeling that way, so she might lash out in anger to protect herself.

So what can you do? Try to be patient and understanding. Instead of reminding her directly, you could try gentle suggestions or offer to do things together. Focus on making her feel safe and loved, rather than pointing out what she’s forgetting.

Remember, your grandma isn’t angry at you – she’s struggling with a difficult disease. With some patience and creativity, you can find ways to help her that don’t trigger those angry outbursts.