Table 1.

Actions by the patient with dementia to gain or give a sense of control to cope with disruption

Gaining a sense of control for the themselves	Giving a sense of control to the family carer	Giving a sense of control to the co-patient	Giving a sense of control to the staff
Constructive behaviours: •Sociability •Showing their personhood •Inquisitiveness •Being sociable •Form relationships and attachments •Seeking control •Trying to take control •Being assertive •Resisting •Purposeful activity •Gathering other people's belongings •Work-like activity	Expressions of concern for the family carer, e.g. trying to negotiate drinks for the family carer
Disengaged behaviours: •Exposure •Prolonged inactivity
Distressed behaviours: •Aggression •Agitation •Challenging the system •Crying •Muttering and moaning •Shouting
Neutral behaviours: •Causing disruption •Disinhibited use of language •Wandering