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Correlates of aggressive behavior in dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 June 2004

Kathryn A. Hall  and
Daniel W. O'Connor
Kathryn A. Hall
Affiliation:
Psychiatrist, Aged Mental Health Research Group, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
Daniel W. O'Connor
Affiliation:
Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, Aged Mental Health Research Group, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract

Background and Objective: A review of current literature was undertaken in order to summarize some of the possible biopsychosocial contributions to the development of aggressive behavior in elderly people with dementia. It was intended that such a summary would provide a useful clinical aid when assessing patients with behavioral symptoms and a starting point for undertaking research in this area.

Method: Information was gathered from literature searches conducted on several occasions between 1995 and 2001 using 3 databases (Medline, CINHAL and PsycINFO), as well as journals and books available from the libraries of the authors and from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

Results: Associations between various conditions and the development of aggressive behavior were found, including the contributions of degrees of cognitive impairment, personality, sensory change, physical illness, language impairment, brain pathology, affective and psychotic disorders. The role of gender, sexuality and disruption of circadian rhythms is also discussed, as is the importance of environmental factors.

Conclusion: Identification of correlates of aggressive behavior may assist clinicians to understand and manage aggressive behavior more effectively.

Keywords

Dementiaaggressive behavioraggressionBPSDreview
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 16 , Issue 2 , June 2004 , pp. 141 - 158
Copyright
© International Psychogeriatric Association 2004

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