03/11/2026
Super important! When a person is affected by dementia, pain is often expressed in unexpected behaviours.
Pain doesn’t always look like pain in someone with dementia.
If your loved one is suddenly agitated, restless, yelling, or withdrawing, it may not be “behavior.” It could be pain they can’t explain.
Many elders with dementia lose the ability to clearly describe what they’re feeling. Instead, pain may show up as confusion, aggression, or distress. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to more medications for behavior instead of addressing the real problem.
At Dr Liz Geriatrics, we always ask an important question:
“Could this be pain?”
Understanding how pain presents in dementia can make a profound difference in comfort, behavior, and quality of life.
Learn more about recognizing and treating pain in people with dementia:
https://drlizgeriatrics.com/dementia/pain-relief/
Because when pain is treated properly, calm and connection often return.