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DW’s anger

I have noticed that my DW easily angers and directs it at me, but will turn around and be polite to others. Has anyone experienced this?

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  • Chris20cm
    Chris20cm Member Posts: 85
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    Yes, very seriously, until Dr prescribed Seroquel and the hostility eased up. Unexpected development is while the medication assuages the hostility and anger directed toward me, it also stifled her positive emotions somewhat. Definitely worth it though, for me.

  • wose
    wose Member Posts: 235
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    Most definitely. I secretly call him Jekyll and Hyde. He’s nice as pie with everyone but me. It’s so awful and hurtful, but another part of this dreaded disease. I guess you strike first and most against the people who you feel most comfortable with. No need to filter with us… I think subconsciously for them💜

  • midge333
    midge333 Member Posts: 565
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    Yes, I experienced the same thing with my DW. She saved all the hostility for me.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,054
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    yes, very common. It’s called showtiming. They can do it for short periods of time with others and doctors too. It causes some caregivers to question the diagnosis. Their anxiety causes them to lash out at their caregivers usually at their primary caregiver because we’re with them more. Important to try to remain calm and try to distract or redirect. Ask the doctor for anti anxiety medication to calm her.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,054
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    Dementia-related anger toward a caregiver stems from the disease itself, not personal intent, often caused by a frustration with communication limitations, loss of control, paranoia, or unmet physical needs. To cope, avoid taking the anger personally, identify and address potential triggers like hunger or pain, and remain calm by using simple language, giving space, and redirecting the person to a distraction. Seeking support from doctors, support groups, and incorporating self-care is crucial for caregivers to manage the emotional toll of this behavior.

  • Metta
    Metta Member Posts: 31
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    Yes. It is one more heartbreaking and agonizing part of this sad journey we are all on. Even with Seroquel, my DH can say very cruel things to me that he would never say to anyone else. "Everyone hates you." "Why don't you do everyone a favor and just step out in front of a train." … As a survivor of abuse as a child, I am resilient and do not engage. It is deeply hurtful, even though I know it is an illness. I just take one day at a time. I'm not going to medicate myself because my husband is ill. I just want this to be over. I walk on eggshells 24 hours/day.

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 723
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    my husband used to strike out at me and then I would get mad. The doctor increased his anti depressant and I learned to either redirect or apologize. It was a very tense period we went through.

  • tboard
    tboard Member Posts: 138
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    Yes I have experienced this often. I have to remind myself daily that it is the disease and not to take it personally. It isn't easy.

  • Pat Coughlin
    Pat Coughlin Member Posts: 28
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  • Pat Coughlin
    Pat Coughlin Member Posts: 28
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    Thanks to all. It helps immensely that her outbursts are not personal.

  • HollyBerry
    HollyBerry Member Posts: 211
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    When I'm able to think and not just react, I try to separate the words from the emotions underneath them, and watch for patterns. This morning she got up too early and had too much time before we had to leave for her day program, and the scripting began. Same old stuff, and I just kept on making our lunches and drinking my coffee, and tried to think of ways I can get up quietly so I don't wake her in the morning.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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