This article summarizes numerous studies which investigate the relationship between a range of independent variables and the frequency of elder abuse. You can read the article in its entirety by clicking the link above.

The author discusses several variables related to circumstances under which individuals disabled by dementia are involved in abusive situations. Most of the data is self-reported on anonymous questionnaires distributed to caregivers, and therefore the actual percentages of abuse are somewhat suspect, particularly given that most often less than a majority of caregivers asked to participate actually submitted data.

If the article fails in any meaningful way, it is perhaps because the author suggests very little with respect to using the data to prevent abusive behaviors in the first instance. Regardless, the material is very interesting and helps us understand how abuse can emerge when vulnerable individuals require support.