Distinguishing Agitation From Aggression in Neurocognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Conceptualization, Assessment and Correlates

Pavel Kubíček, Jan Vevera, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital in Pilsen, Czech Republic, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Czech Republic, Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education, Czech Republic

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology

Published online on June 11, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, Ahead of Print.
BackgroundAggressive behavior affects 30-50% of patients with dementia, yet agitation and aggression are frequently conflated despite distinct etiologies and treatment implications.ObjectivesTo examine how many recent studies define and distinguish ...