02/15/2026
🧠 Understanding Dementia-Related Behaviors
Sometimes in advanced dementia, families may witness behaviors such as:
• Pushing
• Swatting
• Yelling
• Sudden reactions in close proximity
These moments can feel alarming. They can even feel intentional.
But in advanced cognitive impairment, the part of the brain responsible for impulse control, reasoning, and judgment is significantly damaged.
There is often:
– No pause before action
– No cause-and-effect thinking
– No ability to process personal space appropriately
What may look like aggression is often a reflexive neurological response.
When someone with dementia feels startled, confused, overstimulated, or crowded, the survival portion of the brain activates. The reaction is immediate — not planned.
This does not mean safety isn’t important. It is.
At Pacific View, we take all resident interactions seriously.
But understanding the brain allows us to respond clinically, not emotionally — and to focus on prevention through environment, supervision, and compassionate care.
If you are caring for a loved one at home and experiencing similar behaviors, you are not alone. Dementia changes the brain — and education changes how we respond.
We are always here as a resource for families navigating this journey.
💙 Pacific View Assisted Living & Memory Care
Supporting dignity, safety, and understanding.
