Behavioural changes and perceived criminal offending:
An exploratory study of accounts from carers of people living with dementia
Published Date: 26.10.2025
Theme: Carer health and wellbeing
Sub-theme: Carer wellbeing measures
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This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.
The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.
All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.
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Theme: Carer health and wellbeing
Sub-theme: Carer wellbeing measures
Verification Statement
This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.
The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.
All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.
To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.
Behavioural changes and perceived criminal offending:
An exploratory study of accounts from carers of people living with dementia
Published Date: 26.10.2025
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Author/ Authors
Nola Ries ,
Fiona Kumfor
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Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)
Ries, N., & Kumfor, F. (2025). Behavioural changes and perceived criminal offending: an exploratory study of accounts from carers of people living with dementia. Psychiatry Psychology and Law, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2025.2568402
Long Summary
This qualitative descriptive study explores how behavioural and personality changes in people living with dementia may lead to situations perceived as criminal offending, as reported by carers. Using qualitative interviews with nine carers and two people with dementia in Australia, it identified harmful behaviours such as verbal abuse, physical aggression, alleged shoplifting, unsafe driving and socially inappropriate public conduct. These incidents in several cases led to interactions with police or security personnel, or restrictions on social participation imposed by carers. The authors highlight that such behaviours particularly common in younger‑onset and frontotemporal dementia are often misinterpreted as intentional wrongdoing rather than symptoms of neurodegeneration. They argue for enhanced education for carers, better community supports and alternative responses in justice settings that recognise diminished decision-making capacity rather than purely punitive approaches.
Key Messages for Carers
- Carers should understand that behaviours perceived as criminal or socially inappropriate in people living with dementia such as aggression, shoplifting, or unsafe driving are often symptoms of the condition, not deliberate misbehaviour. Recognising this can reduce guilt, stress, and frustration. Carers are encouraged to seek education, support networks, and professional guidance to manage challenging behaviours safely. Using dementia-informed strategies, maintaining patience, and accessing community resources can help protect both the person with dementia and themselves, while avoiding unnecessary legal or social consequences. Awareness and early intervention are crucial for ensuring dignity, safety, and wellbeing for everyone involved.
Key Messages for Policy Makers
- Policymakers should recognise that behaviours perceived as criminal in people living with dementia are often symptoms of neurodegeneration, not intentional wrongdoing. Current justice and community responses risk punishing individuals who lack full decision-making capacity, while placing undue stress on carers. Policies should focus on education for carers, tailored community support, and alternative interventions that prioritise safety, dignity, and health over punitive measures. Integrating dementia-informed approaches into law enforcement, healthcare, and social services can reduce unnecessary criminalisation, improve quality of life for both people with dementia and their carers, and ensure responses are compassionate, equitable, and evidence-based.
