LYNN – A doctor Wednesday said a Marblehead man charged with beating his elderly and handicapped wife showed signs of severe dementia, and a judge ordered the defendant sent for a mental health evaluation.John Wurmser, 74, of 44 Washington St., Marblehead, was arrested and charged with assault and battery; and assault and battery on a person +60/disabled; at 10:59 p.m. last Thursday.He was arraigned Friday in Lynn District Court where a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.Police responded to the Washington Street address last Thursday night where the alleged victim said Wurmser was drunk, hit her multiple times in the arms, chest and face, and then grabbed her by the neck, Marblehead Police Officers Eric Osattin and Christopher Gallo wrote in reports.The alleged victim told police Wurmser has abused her before, usually when he drinks. Police noted the alleged victim has limited use of her hands and uses a walker due to a medical condition. She declined medical help.Police said they found Wurmser passed out in the kitchen and “disoriented and highly intoxicated” upon awakening.”When asked, he stated that nothing had happened, and called his wife various profane names,” police reported. “Most of what he stated didn’t make any sense.”At Wurmser’s arraignment, Judge Cathleen Campbell ordered the defendant held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Campbell noted the alleged victim said she was abused at least three times a week for 15 years, according to court documents.At the dangerousness hearing, however, a court clinician requested Wurmser be sent for a mental health evaluation. The doctor said Wurmser had severe dementia and was unable to answer questions or care for himself, according to court documents.Essex Assistant District Attorney Erin Bellavia requested the dangerousness hearing be continued until after the evaluation.Judge James LaMothe accepted both the clinician’s and prosecutor’s requests and scheduled Wurmser to return to court Aug. 18.Wurmser’s attorney could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening.