There is a causal chain between difficult behaviours caused by dementia and elder abuse. Fit Minds aims to weaken this chain by giving caregivers the tools and training necessary to provide meaningful cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) sessions. The provision of these sessions acts to effectively reduce difficult behaviours in care recipients as well as the stress levels of caregivers. In this way, Fit Minds helps reduce risk factors for elder abuse.

This guide draws four important links between sections of existing research. First, individuals with dementia often exhibit difficult behaviours. Second, these behaviours contribute significantly to caregiver stress. Third, caregiver stress is an important causal factor in elder abuse. Fourth, cognitive stimulation therapy is effective in reducing difficult behaviours. Finally, this paper will explain how Fit Minds' programs and training can help address the problem of elder abuse.