Longitudinal predictors of non-aggressive agitated behaviors in the elderly

Longitudinal predictors of physically and verbally non-aggressive inappropriate behaviors were examined in 200 community-dwelling elderly persons attending senior day care centers. Models based on ratings obtained from staff members and family caregivers were compared. Multiple factors contributed simultaneously to the prediction of non-aggressive behaviors. Similar to previous cross-sectional results, physically non-aggressive behaviors were predicted mainly by good health and cognitive impairment. In addition, depression emerged consistently as a predictor of physically non-aggressive behaviors in all models. Verbally non-aggressive behaviors were predicted by depressed affect and pain, confirming previous suggestions that these behaviors are related to discomfort. The relationship of these behaviors with cognitive functioning was relatively weak. Understanding the etiologies of non-aggressive problem behaviors can aid in developing appropriate care for this population.