Why Is Mom So Angry?

In Episode 9 of This Is Your Brain on Mom, siblings Barry and Wendy dive deep into one of the hardest — and most confusing — parts of caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s: the anger. Their mom, Marion, has always been expressive, but lately, her emotions swing from loving to furious in a matter of minutes. Is it the disease? The medication? Or just Mom being… Mom? Barry and Wendy unpack the emotional rollercoaster that comes with Alzheimer’s-related personality changes, including anger, frustration, and confusion. Between bursts of laughter (and sibling teasing), they explore: Why Alzheimer’s can cause anger and aggression — even in someone who’s never been that way before. The emotional toll of being the “go-to” child who gets yelled at (and how to stay compassionate through it). How siblings handle caregiving differently — from blocking calls to trying to “fix” everything. The importance of routines, emotional check-ins, and visiting loved ones consistently. Why healthcare staff often struggle to manage dementia-related anger — and what families wish they knew. Along the way, listeners get glimpses of Marion’s humor, stubbornness, and heart — from feeding wandering patients in the hospital to believing she’s 91 one day and 16 the next. If you’ve ever wondered why your loved one with dementia seems so angry, this episode is for you. It’s raw, real, and full of the mix of humor, heartbreak, and honesty that defines This Is Your Brain on Mom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices