UNSW researchers: higher self-harm risk for people living with dementia

UNSW researchers found people diagnosed with dementia are more likely to self-harm within the first six to 12 months following initial diagnosis, highlighting the need for more follow-up support from health services.

The multi-disciplinary team of medicine, psychiatry and psychology experts looked at NSW hospital data on more than 180,000 people who were admitted to hospital from 2001-2015.

This included data on 154,811 people who had been recorded as having dementia and 28,972 people who were admitted for self-harm injuries.

Lead author Adrian Walker said while smaller studies and anecdotal evidence had suggested a link between dementia diagnoses and self-harm, the data supports the findings in a large population setting.

Dr Walker said the team set out to find out more about "rates and predictors" of self harm amongst people with dementia.

"We know that that's an important question because dementia itself is associated with not only a lot of neurological changes, but also a lot of grief and a lot of anxiety," Dr Walker said.

"It can create this perfect storm of factors that may contribute to self-harm."

Researchers found 692 of the patients who had been recorded as having dementia went on to be readmitted for self-harm.

Women accounted for the majority of patients admitted with dementia (60 per cent) and because of self-harm (53 per cent).

However, when the team looked at the number of people who went on to self-harm after being admitted with dementia, men made up 60 per cent.

"Generally, women tend to be over-represented in people diagnosed with dementia, as well as people who self-harm, compared to men," Dr Walker said.

"The fact that there are more men at the intersection of self-harm and dementia is concerning, though we should also be careful not to forget the substantial number of women living with dementia who self-harm."

Scientia Associate Professor and psychologist Simone Reppermund said the figures suggest health services should view dementia diagnoses with a new sense of urgency.

"The message to clinicians and indeed, the outside world, is that it is really important, once a person gets a diagnosis of dementia, that psychosocial and mental health supports are kicking in straight away," she said.

Researchers also spoke with a number of advocates, including people living with dementia and carers during their research.

Stephen Grady spoke of his reaction when he was first diagnosed at the relatively young age of 60 while enjoying a successful career as a measurement scientist.

"After being diagnosed, it felt like I went from a valuable contributor to society to having no value at all," the 68-year-old said.

"So, there's this whole question of, okay, is your life over? Is it still worth living?

"It's only when you find the value in your life again, that you can refute them."

Researchers also looked at how many people went on to develop dementia after being admitted for self-harm.

They found 475 (55 per cent) of people who fell into this category were men.

The research also found people with dementia who self-harmed tended to be younger at the time of initial diagnosis, while those who were divorced, separated or widowed were less likely to present for self-harm.

The research team plans to extend on these findings by digging deeper into the outcomes for people living with dementia who self-harmed. Specifically, they would like to know how health service use impacts self-harm.

Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13-11-14 or beyondblue 1300-224-636.