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Suicide and dementia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Francisco Javier Álvarez Muñoz1, María Rubio-Aparicio2, Pedro Gurillo Muñoz3
1Unidad de Docencia, Investigación y Formación en Salud Mental (UDIF-SM), Gerencia Regional de Salud Mental, Servicio Murciano de Salud, Murcia, España.
Revista De Psiquiatria Y Salud Mental
|June 9, 2020
Summary
Elderly individuals with dementia show a trend towards suicidal events, particularly suicide attempts. Increased attention and care are recommended following a dementia diagnosis, including assessing comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dementia is a growing concern in the elderly population.
- Suicidal ideation and behavior are significant public health issues.
- The relationship between dementia and suicide risk requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the association between dementia in the elderly and subsequent suicidal ideation, attempts, or completed suicides.
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing research on dementia and suicide.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on dementia and suicide.
- Searched multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, IME, Lilacs) until December 2018.
- Calculated effect sizes using Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals, assessing heterogeneity and publication bias.
Main Results:
- 37 studies involving 47 units were analyzed.
- Dementia was associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation (OR=1.37), suicide attempts (OR=2.24), and completed suicides (OR=1.28).
- No significant publication bias was detected.
Conclusions:
- A trend towards suicidal events, especially attempts, is observed in individuals with dementia.
- Enhanced clinical attention and care are recommended post-dementia diagnosis.
- Assessing comorbidities is crucial for managing suicide risk in dementia patients.