What to do when an Alzheimer's patient becomes aggressive ... and what not to do:

Scientists know that many Alzheimer's patients go through periods of swearing, screaming, pilfering, wandering and other combative behaviors. Often this makes home care difficult. Here are steps experts say can help prevent such behavior:

• Avoid violating a patient's space. This often leads to misinterpretation and aggression.
• Check to see if the patient is in pain or hungry. Patients may become combative because they have no other way to express their needs.
• Keep a written journal of events and triggers that lead to aggressive behavior, and communicate these triggers to other caregivers.
• Maintain a regular routine.
• Regular and gentle exercise on days when patients visit doctors may help reduce outbursts.
• If an outburst occurs, talk to the patient in a low and soothing voice. If a TV or radio is on, turn it down or off.
• Don't ask too many questions or make too many statements at once.
• Focus on feelings, not the facts. Try not to concentrate on specific details; rather, consider the person's emotions. Look for the feelings behind the words.
• Don't take the behavior personally. The person isn't necessarily angry with you.
• Shift the focus to another activity. The immediate situation or activity may have unintentionally caused the aggressive response. Try something different.
• Avoid using restraint or force. Unless the situation is serious, avoid physically holding or restraining the person. He or she may become more frustrated and cause personal harm.