According to a new study, adults over the age of 65 who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are twice as likely to die from suicide compared to older adults who do not suffer from dementia. This risk was shown to be particularly elevated in the first 90 days following a dementia diagnosis.
With a growing geriatric population and a continued increase in suicide rates for aging adults, this study helps shed light on an overlooked aspect of caring for older people with dementia.
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For the study, researchers from Columbia University, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System in Michigan studied the records of 2.66 million older adults.
It was found that the number of suicide deaths within the first year of those with newly diagnosed dementia was 53 percent higher than expected compared to the general population. Within the first few months of a diagnosis, the risk was far greater. Patients diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia were also found to be at higher risk of suicide death.
The study authors stress the need for a more thorough assessment of patient needs. Any pre-existing mental health disorders should be actively managed. Caregivers also need more access to more referrals and support.
“In addition to suicide risk screening and additional support at the time of receiving a dementia diagnosis—particularly older men and older adults living with chronic pain and mental health or substance use disorders—a takeaway message of this study is lethal means restriction and safety counseling may be appropriate with patients and caregivers, particularly safe storage or removal of firearms and certain medications,” said Timothy Schmutte, the paper’s lead author.
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The Reason behind Suicide
Previous studies have shown that depression and anxiety are more likely to occur early during dementia, which may drive suicidal thoughts. Other research suggests delusions as a suicide risk factor in dementia. In this study, all the participants with dementia who attempted suicide had delusions as their primary cause of suicide.
Researchers hope this study will raise awareness and promote early detection in adults who are at risk for suicide. With a rapidly increasing aging population and a high number of dementia cases, studies on the effects of dementia are imperative. Many risk factors often don’t get the attention they deserve.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
