Relationship between aggressive behaviors and depression among nursing home residents with dementia.

Background: Verbal and physical aggression are common behavior problems among nursing home residents with dementia. Depression among nursing home residents is also a common but underdiagnosed disorder.

Method: Data collected on 1101 residents with dementia, newly admitted to a sample of 59 nursing homes across Maryland, were analyzed to determine if there was a relationship between depression and physical and verbal aggression.

Results: Residents with dementia who manifested physical or verbal aggression had a higher prevalence of depression than those without such behaviors (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that nursing home residents with aggressive behaviors should be screened for depression and treated.