Aim Decreasing behavioral independence levels and increasing frequencies of behavioral disturbances are the most problematic aspects for people with dementia. However, the relative effects of dementia on these factors are unknown. We investigated variability in behavioral independence and disturbance profiles of patients with dementia. Methods This was a cross‐sectional correlation study in which 70 inpatients with dementia from convalescent wards in a hospital were enrolled. We assessed cognitive impairments with the Mini‐Mental State Examination, evaluated behavioral independence levels with the Functional Independence Measure and assessed frequency of behavioral disturbances with the Dementia Behavior Disturbance Scale. Results Coefficient determination was 0.395 (P < 0.0001) between the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Functional Independence Measure scores, 0.261 (P < 0.0001) between the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Dementia Behavior Disturbance Scale scores, and 0.355 (P < 0.0001) between the Functional Independence Measure and Dementia Behavior Disturbance Scale scores. The most easily accomplished behavioral independence was eating, and the hardest was transfer to tub/shower. The behavioral disturbance with the highest frequency was urinary incontinence, and the lowest was emptying drawers or closets. Conclusions Moderate correlations were found between severity of dementia and behavioral independence levels and frequencies of behavioral disturbances. There were both easier and harder to accomplish behaviors, and both higher and lower frequencies of behavioral disturbances. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 605–613.