Dementia is one of the major challenges for healthcare system affecting the older population. Post-diagnosis phase and its related psychological reaction may lead to suicide risk in early stage. We need to explore the psychiatric aspect and phenomenology of dementia in order to understand the crucial outcomes of this condition. There are stark inconsistencies in existing literature showing association between suicide risk and dementia, though various factors are involved as potential markers of suicide risk in dementia. Early onset of dementia comes with different set challenges altogether which includes grief and loss as it progresses more quickly. An overall significant association between dementia and suicide risk has not been established empirically yet there is a significant increase in suicide risk. A deep understanding of complexities regarding emotional and psychological reactions of such population will help to raise awareness among geriatric population. Comorbid psychiatric condition in patients with dementia is quite common, and a definite marker for suicide risk is still unknown in such population. Certain changes in intervention programs shall focus on inclusion of suicide risk assessment during its treatment phase. The intriguing relationships between depression, suicidal behavior, and dementia will need further clarification and investigation. Therefore, healthcare system needs to remodulate their existing treatment trend and pattern at primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels. Also as researchers and caregivers, it is a collective responsibility to address the intersection of dementia and suicide risk with empathy and action. By fostering a more compassionate and informed society, the prevalence of suicide in dementia patients will decrease which in turn will improve overall quality of life.

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Suicide Risk in Dementia

  • Palak Upadhyay,
  • Jyoti Mishra,
  • Gorika Arora,
  • Shobit Garg

摘要

Dementia is one of the major challenges for healthcare system affecting the older population. Post-diagnosis phase and its related psychological reaction may lead to suicide risk in early stage. We need to explore the psychiatric aspect and phenomenology of dementia in order to understand the crucial outcomes of this condition. There are stark inconsistencies in existing literature showing association between suicide risk and dementia, though various factors are involved as potential markers of suicide risk in dementia. Early onset of dementia comes with different set challenges altogether which includes grief and loss as it progresses more quickly. An overall significant association between dementia and suicide risk has not been established empirically yet there is a significant increase in suicide risk. A deep understanding of complexities regarding emotional and psychological reactions of such population will help to raise awareness among geriatric population. Comorbid psychiatric condition in patients with dementia is quite common, and a definite marker for suicide risk is still unknown in such population. Certain changes in intervention programs shall focus on inclusion of suicide risk assessment during its treatment phase. The intriguing relationships between depression, suicidal behavior, and dementia will need further clarification and investigation. Therefore, healthcare system needs to remodulate their existing treatment trend and pattern at primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels. Also as researchers and caregivers, it is a collective responsibility to address the intersection of dementia and suicide risk with empathy and action. By fostering a more compassionate and informed society, the prevalence of suicide in dementia patients will decrease which in turn will improve overall quality of life.