Correlates of aggressive behavior in dementia.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Identification of correlates of aggressive behavior may assist clinicians to understand and manage aggressive behavior more effectively.
Aged Mental Health Research Group, Department of Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Kingston Centre, Warrigal Road, Cheltenham, Victoria 3192, Australia. Kathhall@bigpond.net.au
Kathryn A
KA
Hall
Daniel W
DW
O'Connor
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D021081:Chronobiology Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003704:Dementia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology