Anger and arguments can be signs of mild cognitive impairment. What can partner

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   brakel2posted 10 years ago

   Anger and arguments can be signs of mild cognitive impairment. What can partner do to handle issue?
   
   Medications exist for this illness, but some folks are not ready for this solution. I know one elderly couple whose intense arguments send the husband to the hospital with heart impairments.

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   jgshorebirdposted 10 years ago

   I recently read a good book about mental health issues by Dr. Daniel G. Amen. Title: Healing ADD. Although the book is ADD based, it is also general and explores brain function in new ways. There are new tests called SPECT scans which can show non-functioning and low-functioning areas of the brain. Some areas are associated with anger problems. Amen has had a lot of success with treatments. Of all the mental health books, professors, doctors etc., this one really enlightened me. (My past career had me speaking to a lot of psych docs, reading patient files, interviewing tons of people with lots of 'issues' and so on - I'm not a doctor.)

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      brakel2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much for this valuable information. You are a true resource.

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   peachpurpleposted 10 years ago

   When my hubby argue with me, i have to keep silent. Otherwise, he will keep scolding me fir days and bring in unrelated topics into the picture. Keeping silent is the only way to prevent other health problems

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      brakel2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Peachy - Sometimes the old saying is true that "silence is golden". Arguments do bring in unrelated topics at times and make the situation worse. A psychiatrist believes in holding a pencil like a microphone, putting you in control until you finish.

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      Venkatachari Mposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      True. I also recommend keeping silent. I used to argue with my wife. But it used to increase the anger and tensions. So, I learnt to keep silent and ditto her views and then at any later moments talk with her to put forth my view without annoying her

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   tamarawilhiteposted 10 years ago

   1. Pain will make someone short tempered. Whether this is due to arthritis, back pain or recent medical conditions depends on the person. But if they are in pain, they'll be short tempered and even permanently angry. Pain management will help.
   
   2. Dementia can lead to frustration, especially as coping mechanisms fail. Blaming the other person for moving what you can't find is easier than admitting you can't remember it. The anger is a different coping mechanism, although a selfish one.
   
   3. Physical decline can make people feel helpless, dependent, and undermine self-worth. A guy who can no longer work may see his status declining, so he browbeats her to feel better or simply vent his frustration. If the person is losing mobility, the frustration of the body failing and fear of death can make them lash out at others.

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      brakel2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Your explanations about pain, dementia and physical decline affecting coping mechanisms are on target. . Thanks for the response.

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      brakel2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Your explanation about the effect of pain, physical decline, and dementia on coping ability is realistic. Thanks for response.

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