On 16 August, researchers from the UK published a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and risk factors for suicide and dementia in the journal Ageing Research Reviews. The study highlights a significant concern for the mental health and well-being of people living with dementia, emphasising the need for tailored and targeted mental health as well as suicide prevention strategies. The publication, which analyses 54 studies, found that people with dementia are at a higher risk of experiencing suicidal ideation, with a prevalence rate of 10%. The authors note that this is significantly higher than in the general population. However, the study found no significant difference in the risk of suicide attempts or deaths by suicide between those with and without dementia.
Furthermore, the researchers found that individuals with moderate dementia are more likely to experience suicidal ideation than those with mild dementia. In addition, younger people living with dementia were at an increased risk of death by suicide compared to older individuals. Also, men with dementia were found to be more likely to attempt and die by suicide than women. Risk factors for suicide among people living with dementia include the stage of the disease, age as well as sex. These findings underscore the importance of integrating mental health support into dementia care, with particular attention to the unique risk factors that were identified. The scientists call for heightened vigilance and tailored interventions to mitigate the risk of suicide among people living with dementia. The publication is open access and can be read here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2024.102445
