Is a dementia patient capable of physically hurting caregivers?

go to you tube and watch the adult diaper videos.

Yes.

When persons with dementia become violent (and certainly not all of them do) then something must be done to protect the caregivers. Often (but not always) this can be accomplished through drugs to treat the anxiety or to calm them down. Also the caregiver learning ways to be soothing and reassuring can help, but it is important to know that this behavior is NOT the caregiver's fault.

The first step is to consult the doctor who is treating the dementia.

Yes, some will bite,punch and / or kick out at the caregiver.It hurts but not fatal.