Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
variable
high

Physical injuries such as pressure sores may have long-term consequences. They can cause extensive damage to the skin and lead to life-threatening infections, such as sepsis and gangrene.

variable
high

These may occur following older adult abuse.

variable
high

These may occur following older adult abuse.

variable
high

These may occur following older adult abuse.

variable
high

These may occur following older adult abuse.

variable
high

These may occur following older adult abuse.

variable
high

Head injuries may lead to brain damage.

variable
high

Abuse can result in worsening cognitive status, including depression.[62]

variable
high

Abuse can result in worsening cognitive status, including delirium.

variable
high

Long-term abuse can result in post-traumatic stress and a learned pattern of helplessness.

variable
high

Data from a 1998 study that monitored 176 cases of older adult mistreatment, abuse, or neglect over a 13-year follow-up period reported that abused patients had a 9% survival rate, while those seen for self-neglect had a 17% survival rate.[61] By contrast, the control group that had not been abused had a 40% survival rate.

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