Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders · 1988 · 272 citations · 0 references
MedicineBehavioral SciencesPsychologyDementiaGeriatric AssessmentGeriatric PsychiatryAggressionAggressive BehaviorDementia CareDementia CaregivingAggression In DementiaAggression Scale DevelopmentCognitive Impairment AssociationsPilot DesignPilot Study DesignPilot Study Sample SizeSex Differences In AggressionSexual Aggression
Research on aggressive behavior in community‑dwelling dementia patients must account for instrument reliability, sample bias, diagnostic procedures, and control groups. The study pilot‑tested the Ryden Aggression Scale to assess aggressive behavior in community‑dwelling dementia patients. In a sample of 183 caregivers, 65% reported aggression, with 31% weekly or more and 16% daily; verbal and physical aggression were most common (50% and 46%), sexual aggression less frequent (18%); aggression correlated with cognitive decline and prior aggression history, but not with diagnosis or psychotropic medication use, and men exhibited more sexual aggression. Further research is required to confirm these findings.
Aggressive behavior in persons with dementia who are living in the community was explored in a pilot study using a newly developed instrument, the Ryden Aggression Scale. Factors affecting this kind of research are addressed, including reliability and validity of the instrument, sample bias, diagnostic workup, and control groups. Results of a pilot survey of caregivers revealed aggressive behavior in 65% of a sample of 183 subjects, occurring weekly or more often in 31% and daily in 16%. Verbal and physical aggression were most prevalent (50% and 46%, respectively), while sexual aggression appeared less frequently (18%). Aggression was significantly related to degree of cognitive impairment and prior history of aggressive behavior, but not to diagnosis nor administration of psychotropic medications. Men showed significantly more sexual aggression. Further research to verify these findings is needed.