Risk factors for dementia and self-harm: A linkage study
Adrian R Walker1, Preeyaporn Srasuebkul1, Julian N Trollor1,2
1The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Summary
People with dementia face higher self-harm risks, especially men and those with complex psychiatric needs. Self-harm also increases dementia risk, particularly in men. Targeted support is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Individuals with dementia exhibit elevated rates of poor mental health and self-harm.
- Understanding the interplay between dementia and self-harm is critical for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for self-harm in individuals over 40 with dementia.
- To determine risk factors for dementia development following self-harm events.
Main Methods:
- Utilized linked hospital data from New South Wales, Australia.
- Defined distinct dementia (n=154,811) and self-harm (n=28,972) cohorts.
- Employed survival analyses to investigate predictors in both directions.
Main Results:
- Self-harm or dementia diagnoses most frequently occurred within 24 months of initial diagnosis/presentation.
- Men with dementia and those with complex psychiatric profiles showed the highest risk of self-harm.
- Men who had previously self-harmed exhibited an increased risk of subsequent dementia diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Men and individuals with complex psychiatric profiles and dementia may benefit significantly from tailored post-diagnosis mental and behavioral support.
- Interventions aimed at reducing self-harm in at-risk dementia populations are warranted.
- Further research into the bidirectional relationship between self-harm and dementia is needed.
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