Levels of aggression and alcohol use in populations with dementia

Abstract

This study investigated levels of aggression and alcohol use in populations with dementia. The hypothesis was that there would be a positive relationship between levels of harm and alcohol use as reported by the caregiver. One hundred caregiver/respondents returned surveys which inquired about the level of alcohol use and frequency of verbal or physical harm to the caregiver or anyone else. A two (gender) by six (type of drinker) ANOVA was used to analyze the results, with verbal and physical harm as the dependent measures. Significance (p = <.05; F = 2.37) was noted for all six levels regarding type of drinker and verbal or physical harm. For gender differences, significance was noted in the “physical harm, anyone” variable (p = <.05; F = 4.00). This outcome was of particular interest, in view of the lack of literature on female alcohol abuse associated with verbal or physical harm.