The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) found that one in six older Australians experience elder abuse each year.
The AIFS study showed older people with a disability or long-term health condition experience higher rates of elder abuse than older people without an impairment.
Dementia Australia Executive Director of Services, Advocacy, and Research, Dr Kaele Stokes, said dementia and cognitive impairment could increase a person’s risk of experiencing elder abuse.
Dr Stokes said the disease impacted an individual’s cognition and decision-making skills, and could make them more vulnerable to being taken advantage of.
“There may also be a gradual loss of ability and capacity to manage financial affairs as dementia progresses,” she said.