Aggression and jealousy in people with dementia ‘red flag for homicide’
Australian researchers find common diagnoses and behaviour patterns are associated with murder and should be addressed in primary care
Awareness of risk factors for aggressive behaviour in people with dementia could prevent homicides, say Sydney researchers who have conducted the first systematic review on the topic.
Although rare, people with dementia who commit homicide exhibit common characteristics, including psychosis, alcohol use and dysexecutive syndrome, the review finds.
The team, from a NSW Government Older People’s Mental Health service, analysed 13 case series and retrospective cohort studies, of which more than a third were Australian.
The findings showed most offenders were male with psychiatric factors or cognitive states causing disinhibition that might have predisposed them to severe impulsive aggression.
