Dementia in custody: A historical and forensic approach

The constant ageing of the population extends to the population behind bars. We consider and summarise medical, ethical, legal and societal concerns raised when older adults with dementia are charged and put into custody.Dementia in custody is a relatively new concept in forensic science. When you take into account the adversarial nature of the judicial system and the hardship posed by correctional facilities, an older adult with severe cognitive problems will increases the complexity of the situation.The possibility of an octogenarian in cognitive decline being detained in police custody is less remote than it seemed half a century ago.