According to the latest research, a diagnosis of dementia more than doubles the risk of suicide within the first three months after a patient learns the news.
The study, which followed nearly 600,000 Britons for 18 years, found that patients who already had a psychiatric disorder or were under 65 when diagnosed were at similar risk. The risk was highest in the first three months after learning the news for people under 65: they were 6.5 times more likely to die by suicide.
“A diagnosis of dementia can be devastating, but the immediate period after diagnosis is often the time of greatest distress,” said the study’s lead author, Dr Charles Marshall, clinical lecturer and honorary consultant neurologist. at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health at Queen Mary University. from London.
“Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at an early age is rare, unexpected and overwhelming, which makes it very difficult to accept,” said Beth Kallmyer, vice president of care and support for the Alzheimer’s Association, who does not did not participate in the study.
“One of the most important things you can say to someone dealing with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is that they are not alone and that support is available,” she said.
SMALL BUT IMPORTANT
Previous research has established a distinct link between dementia and suicide, including a 2021 study by scientists at Yale University. “Adults over 65 who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease were twice as likely to die by suicide as older adults who did not have dementia,” Kallmyer said.
Most cases of dementia occur in older adults, but chronic conditions and behavioral choices may play a role, according to Kallmyer. “Obesity, diabetes and sedentary lifestyles in young people are increasing rapidly, and these are risk factors for dementia,” she said.
In the new study, published Monday in the journal JAMA Neurology, the actual number of people – 95 patients – who died by suicide after being found to have dementia was small. However, that didn’t diminish the value of the study for identifying the most vulnerable subgroups and the three-month timeline, Marshall said.
Previous studies have also found a relationship between a dementia diagnosis and suicide in people diagnosed at an earlier age. While the new study was unable to determine why this would be so, Marshall pointed to the interpersonal theory of suicide as a possible answer.
“Perceived heaviness is a key pillar of suicidal behavior,” Marshall said. “This perception of heaviness may be higher in younger patients with dementia who are more likely to be in their productive work years and have family responsibilities.”
The results of studies such as these suggest that physicians should conduct a “rigorous risk assessment” for signs of suicide at the time of diagnosis, Marshall and his co-authors wrote in the latest study.
“We know that early Alzheimer’s disease can cause low mood, anxiety, and social isolation. These symptoms can be both causes and signs of suicide risk,” Marshall said in an email. mail.
SUPPORT A LOVED ONES
Learning about dementia “and especially younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease, is an important first step in supporting someone who receives a younger-onset diagnosis,” Kallmyer said.
Health and financial plans should be put in place early so the person with dementia can participate in those decisions, she suggested.
“If the person is still working, it is essential that they investigate employment benefits that could help them – and it is essential that they do this before leaving their job. Employer benefits can include short-term and long-term disability insurance, which can be very helpful while they file for Social Security disability,” Kallmyer said.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, signs of depression and warning signs of suicide mimic those of dementia, making it extremely difficult for caregivers.
“Due to the complexity of diagnosing depression associated with dementia, it may be helpful to consult a geriatric psychiatrist who specializes in the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of depression in older adults,” the association noted.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES IN CANADA
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (or 988 starting July 16 2022) or Canada’s Talk Suicide at 1-833-456-4566. The following resources are also available to support people in crisis:
Hope for Wellness Helpline: (English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut): 1-855-242-3310
Embrace Life Council hotline: 1-800-265-3333
trans lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868