Violence against elderly with dementia remains a significant issue

At the “Varje dag räknas” conference in Stockholm, experts addressed the challenges of dementia care and the prevalence of violence against the elderly. Stefan Brené from the National Board of Health and Welfare presented the updated 2025 national dementia strategy.

Geriatric specialist and researcher Elida Floberg reported that approximately 16 percent of elderly individuals experience violence, a figure that can exceed 40 percent for those living with dementia. Violence includes physical, psychological, sexual, or economic abuse, as well as neglect, committed by trusted individuals such as relatives or caregivers.

Floberg noted that while violence often stems from high-pressure care situations or a lack of support and knowledge, it is essential to understand these underlying causes to prevent future incidents.