People with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) exhibit criminal risk-taking behavior more frequently than individuals with other forms of dementia. This finding comes from researchers in Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia. Their study was published in the internationally renowned journal in August 2025. Nature Translational Psychiatry published.
Neurodegenerative diseases like dementia can affect more than just memory or speech. Even in the early stages of the disease, people with dementia can develop what is known as „criminal risk behavior.“ This includes offenses such as theft, inappropriate behavior like harassment and public urination, property damage, and driving under the influence, all the way to serious offenses like violent crimes. „When social or legal norms are violated, these incidents can have significant repercussions for the affected person's family and social circle, and can lead to criminal prosecution,“ according to a study from Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia published in August 2025.
„Raising awareness of this problem and more closely examining criminal risk behavior in dementia syndromes can help to better understand the potential impacts of these diseases, identify causes, and promote interdisciplinary approaches to developing coping strategies,“ the study states.
Data from more than 236,000 individuals
In the study, researchers investigated how frequently criminal risk-taking behavior occurs and in which forms of dementia. For this purpose, they analyzed 14 studies, and thus data from a total of more than 236,000 individuals, in a large systematic review. The studies came from the USA, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Japan, among other countries.
Criminal risk-taking behavior occurs in more than 50 percent, and thus particularly often, in people with frontotemporal dementia, especially in the behavioral variant (bvFTD). This criminal risk-taking behavior often first appears in middle age and even before an official diagnosis. This could represent a possible early warning sign of a neurodegenerative disease and, according to the researchers, should lead to early diagnosis and treatment. In FTD, the areas of the brain responsible for personality, social rules, and impulse control are damaged. „The criminal risk-taking behavior is a direct consequence of the disease,“ the study states.
Criminal risk-taking behavior less common in people with Alzheimer's
According to the researchers, the proportion of Alzheimer's dementia in individuals with criminal risk behavior was around ten percent. The rate for people with vascular dementia (approximately 15 percent) was also considered „rather low.“ The researchers also found that after the official diagnosis and the start of care and support, the rate of criminal risk behavior significantly decreases and is then usually below the level of the general population.
An interesting result was found regarding the aspect of gender differences. Criminal risk-taking behavior occurs more frequently in men with dementia than in women with dementia.
The study's conclusion is: „It can be concluded that criminal risk-taking behavior must be regarded as a common syndrome in dementia and neurodegenerative syndromes worldwide,“ the researchers summarize. Therefore, of utmost importance is not only sensitivity to criminal risk-taking behavior as a possible early sign of dementia but also early diagnosis – to prevent further stigmatization due to criminal risk-taking behavior.
Tip for practiceIf you notice significant, sudden, or impulsive changes in the behavior or personality of someone close to you, consult a doctor or a memory clinic for early assessment of possible dementia.
Here is the link to the study:
Criminal Minds in Dementia: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Meta-Analysis
