• People living with dementia may have difficulty reporting abuse
  • Behavioural changes may be misunderstood or dismissed
  • Caregiver stress can increase risk if supports are lacking
  • Dementia affects each person differently

Risk factors for abuse include:

  • The stage of dementia of older adults which changes mood and behaviour (Even people with no history of aggressive behaviour may become abusive).
  • The person’s own tendency toward verbal or physical aggression

Several risk factors affect both the person living with dementia and caregivers:

  • The stress of care, mental and physical health problems that affect the coping abilities of both people with dementia and caregivers.
  • The person’s history with trauma and abuse, including domestic violence