Disinhibition occurs when a person can no longer control their impulses. This can sometimes be a symptom of dementia. This can mean that the person may say or do things that are inappropriate. The person may appear rude or insensitive.
Disinhibited behaviours can place strain on families and caregivers. It can often seem like the person’s
personality has changed.
What does disinhibition look like?
• Rude remarks. A person living with dementia may appear to have lost their social manners. It can seem like
they are trying to embarrass or harass others. They may use offensive language.
• Changes in emotions. Sometimes, a person living with dementia has trouble holding back or regulating
their emotions. This can mean they get angry or upset more easily.
• Inappropriate sexual behaviours. A person living with dementia may make inappropriate sexual
comments. They might remove their clothes or masturbate in inappropriate places.
• Impulsivity. Increased gambling, smoking, drinking, or shopping can all be symptoms of disinhibition.
What causes disinhibition?
• Brain changes. Often, dementia-related behaviours happen because the person is losing brain cells.
Cell loss can happen in areas of the brain that control impulses.
• The person’s environment plays an important role too. This could be their internal environment
(changes inside the body) or their external environment (their surroundings). In other words,
something may be triggering the behaviour. Common causes of disinhibited behaviours include:
• Confusion about time or space
• Frustration
• Paranoia or anxiety
• Pain or discomfort
• Memory loss
• Communication challenges
• Loss of insight
• Unmet physical, social, or psychological needs
What can I do to help manage disinhibition?
• Visit the doctor. It is important to rule out physical illness, medication side-effects, or discomfort.
• React with patience and gentleness. Behaviours are symptoms of the dementia and are not usually
intentional.
• Reassure them. If you suspect the person is confused, frustrated, or anxious, let them know that they are safe.
• Use the information. Behaviours can be a sign that the person needs something. The person may
have trouble communicating unmet needs like boredom or hunger.
• Use the A-B-C approach to better understand the person’s needs. This approach is provided in the
Understanding Behaviour Changes fact sheet available Here.
• Take breaks. Disinhibited behaviours can be challenging and upsetting. Make sure to step back
when you need to recharge and reach out to your support system.
Resources and Information:
• Talk to a Dementia Society Dementia Care Coach about your unique caregiving situation.
• Register for Supporting Dementia or one of the Dementia Society’s other education sessions to learn more about symptoms and management
strategies.
• Read more about symptoms of dementia in the Dementia Society’s other fact sheets.
• Watch this webinar, How Dementia Impacts Behaviour: Understanding is the key to coping.