Aggression

Aggressive behavior may become more common due to the brain’s inability to control impulsive actions.

Tips for preventing aggression

1. Ensure the person does not have pain and see the person's regular doctor for any illness. A change in behavioral symptoms may be triggered by even minor illnesses such as a cold or by pain such as arthritis.
2. When talking to the person, do not use sarcasm or abstract thinking. Instead, be concrete.
3. Reduce external distractions when talking, e.g., TV/radio, or in busy places.
4. Maintain routine when possible. If necessary make changes gradually.
5. Don’t rush the person.
6. Do not argue or insist on being right.

Tips for managing aggression

1. Maintain your and other's safety. Call 911 if you need help. Do not try to restrain your loved one by yourself.
2. Keep calm, lower your tone of voice, be aware of body language (may or may not be recognized by person with FTD but will assist in calming you).
3. If there is an incident of aggression, think about what happened prior to the problem that may have triggered it.
4. Do not argue or rationalize.
5. Validate the person's feelings and empathize (may or may not respond).
6. Offer a distraction: a snack, a walk, a favorite activity.
7. If nothing seems to work, take a break and go in to the next room if possible.