A pilot study on the abuse of elderly people with dementia in Turkey

Turkey faces many problems with its rapidly ageing population. Physical and emotional problems may increase with advancing age, for example, dementia can lead to bio‐psycho‐social care problems of patients, as well as stress and burnout of caregivers. Elders with dementia who have complex care needs appear to be especially at risk of abuse and neglect. Research into elder abuse in Turkey has shown that abuse has been found to occur in low proportions: physical abuse 1.5%, financial abuse 2.5%, and psychological abuse/neglect 3.5% (Keskinoğlu et al, 2004).