Study: Aggression in Advanced Dementia Stages Can Signal Pain

According to a new study, people with dementia are more likely to become aggressive when they are in physical pain only in the advanced stages of the disease.

Residents with severe cognitive impairment had "significantly more frequent aggressive behaviors" when they were in pain; however, this was not the case for residents with less severe dementia. The study's authors concluded that caregivers should monitor aggressive behaviors in those with dementia and consider pain relief when aggression increases.

The authors also noted that "accurate but simple pain assessment" needs to be further developed for individuals with dementia.

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