Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
05:52
Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
[Dementia, suicide attempts and suicide. A case study].
Daniel Matusevich1, Carlos Finkelsztein, María Carolina Vairo
1Sala de Internación y Sector Psicogeriatría, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina. dmatusevich@ciudad.com.ar
Vertex (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
|July 29, 2003
Summary
Dementia patients, particularly older adults, may be at higher risk for suicide attempts than previously thought. This study examines clinical cases to better understand suicide risk in dementia.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- The prevalence of suicide and suicide attempts in patients with dementia is not well-established.
- Existing literature suggests dementia patients have lower suicide rates due to impaired executive function and insight.
- Older adults (65+) represent a disproportionately high percentage of all suicides globally.
Observation:
- This study analyzes five clinical cases of dementia patients hospitalized after suicide attempts.
- These cases are compared with four additional cases from international literature.
- The analysis focuses on psychiatric services within a general hospital setting.
Findings:
- Contrary to previous assumptions, individuals with dementia may attempt suicide.
- Analysis of clinical cases provides insight into the circumstances and potential risk factors.
- The study challenges the notion that cognitive impairment inherently prevents suicide attempts.
Implications:
- Findings suggest a need to re-evaluate suicide risk assessment protocols for dementia patients.
- Increased awareness and targeted interventions are crucial for this vulnerable population.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex relationship between dementia and suicidal behavior.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Ethical Dilemmas II
Resolving an ethical dilemma in healthcare involves a systematic approach that considers every aspect of the issue, respecting both the patient's needs and values and the healthcare professional's ethical obligations. Here are potential steps to resolve an ethical dilemma:
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
01:30Dementia
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
01:21Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross significantly advanced psychology's understanding of the process of dying with her influential book, On Death and Dying (1969). She focused on studying terminally ill individuals and outlined five stages commonly experienced when coping with death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from emotional distress. Anger...
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from emotional distress. Anger...
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...