By Leanne Moulton (Chief Academy Officer)
September brings together two important awareness campaigns: World Alzheimer’s Month and World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. While they may appear to focus on different issues, there is an important connection between dementia, mental health and suicide prevention that deserves greater attention.
At Harmless, we believe that awareness starts with conversations. Talking openly about dementia and suicide can help challenge stigma, encourage people to seek support and, importantly, remind people that no one should have to face difficult thoughts or a life-changing diagnosis alone.
This year’s World Alzheimer’s Month campaign has a particularly important message: The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters. This encourages us to consider not only the importance of identifying dementia earlier, but also what that diagnosis can mean for a person’s wider wellbeing.
The Reality of Suicidal Thoughts and Dementia
Dementia affects memory, thinking and everyday functioning, but its impact can extend far beyond cognitive symptoms. A diagnosis, or the experience of living with dementia, can bring uncertainty, grief, anxiety, depression and fears about the future.
Research shows that suicidal thoughts can affect people living with dementia. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 54 studies found that the point prevalence of suicidal ideation among people with dementia was approximately 10%. The review also found that the likelihood of suicidal ideation was higher among people with dementia than those without dementia. [1]
This is an important reminder that dementia care must involve more than memory and physical health.
Mental health matters too.
Why Does Early Diagnosis Matter?
An early diagnosis can give someone and their loved ones an opportunity to understand what is happening and access appropriate information, care and support.
The World Health Organisation recommends that a dementia diagnosis should be accompanied by relevant information and a commitment to ongoing support and care. [2]
For suicide prevention, this can create opportunities for conversations that might otherwise be missed.
Someone experiencing depression, hopelessness, anxiety or suicidal thoughts may need support alongside their dementia care. Identifying these difficulties means healthcare professionals and support networks have an opportunity to listen and connect the person with appropriate help and support.
The WHO specifically recommends that people with dementia should be asked about thoughts or plans of self harm or suicide as part of appropriate assessment. [3]
Early identification therefore isn’t simply about identifying dementia. It can also provide an opportunity to identify distress and suicide risk and respond to these concerns.
Diagnosis is Not the End of the Conversation
It is important, however, not to suggest that an early diagnosis automatically prevents suicide. Research from England found that suicide risk was particularly elevated during the first three months following a dementia diagnosis, as well as among people diagnosed before the age of 65 and people with psychiatric conditions. [4]
This makes the way a diagnosis is communicated incredibly important.
A diagnosis should not simply be a clinical label. It should come with information, compassion, ongoing support and opportunities to talk about how someone is feeling.
The NHS also highlights that people diagnosed with dementia should receive information about their condition, available treatments and local care and support services, with ongoing appointments providing opportunities to discuss changing needs. [5]
Connecting Awareness with Action
This World Alzheimer’s Month and World Suicide Prevention Day, we can all play a part. We can challenge the idea that dementia is simply a normal part of ageing. We can make space for conversations about depression, loneliness, fear and suicidal thoughts. We can listen without judgement. And we can encourage people to seek professional help when something doesn’t feel right.
Most importantly, we can remember that a person is never defined by a diagnosis. Early diagnosis can provide knowledge. Knowledge can open doors to support. And support can create opportunities to protect someone’s wellbeing.
At Harmless, we believe suicide prevention begins with seeing the whole person including their mental health, their fears, their relationships and their hopes for the future.
The earlier you know, the more you can do. And the earlier we talk, the more opportunities we have to support one another.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with self harm or thoughts of suicide, support is available. Please reach out to us or make a referral via the button below.
Sources
[1] Suicide and dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and risk factors (2024), PubMed. The review included 54 studies and found a 10% point prevalence of suicidal ideation among people with dementia. View the research on PubMed
[2] World Health Organization — How to deliver the diagnosis of dementia. WHO recommends that diagnosis should be accompanied by appropriate information and ongoing support and care. WHO: How to deliver the diagnosis of dementia
[3] World Health Organisation — Assessment for self-harm/suicide in persons with priority mental, neurological and substance use disorders. WHO recommends asking people with dementia about thoughts or plans of self-harm or suicide during assessment and as clinically required. WHO: Assessment for self-harm and suicide
[4] Alothman et al. (2022), Risk of Suicide After Dementia Diagnosis, JAMA Neurology. The study found significantly increased suicide risk during the first three months following diagnosis and among people diagnosed before age 65. View the research on PubMed
[5] NHS — How to get a dementia diagnosis. Information about diagnosis, ongoing assessment, care, support services and planning. NHS: How to get a dementia diagnosis
Additional background: World Health Organisation — Dementia. WHO: Dementia fact sheet
