Aggression and impulsivity in dementia can feel sudden and confusing—but there’s powerful neurology behind it. The amygdala is designed to protect us. It triggers the fight-or-flight response when we sense danger. But in dementia, the brain’s ability to accurately assess threats is compromised. That means everyday situations can feel scary or threatening—even when they’re not. Normally, the prefrontal cortex steps in to pause and evaluate the situation. But when that part of the brain is affecte