Work

Aggression and violence towards informal dementia caregivers: a call for recognition and action

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Family caregivers are the backbone of dementia care worldwide, yet their safety remains largely absent from discussions of dementia-related aggression and violence. This commentary outlines the multidimensional sources and underlying causes of aggression and violence towards informal caregivers in dementia care, highlighting the need for greater recognition across research, practice, policy and public discourse. First, research must move beyond the assumption that violence in dementia care is primarily a problem affecting formal care staff or people living with dementia themselves. Second, clinical and social care systems must recognise caregiver safety as an integral component of dementia care. Third, policy must explicitly frame aggression and violence towards informal dementia caregivers as both a public health and safeguarding concern. Fourth, public awareness efforts must challenge the silence and stigma surrounding this issue. By bringing caregiver safety into the centre of dementia care debates, this commentary calls for a more comprehensive and ethically responsive approach to supporting families affected by dementia.

Source: Age and Ageing

DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afag292

Authors: Jia Yin Ruan, Xiang Qi, Bei Wu

Institutions: New York University, New York University Shanghai

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities