Frontotemporal Dementia and Suicide: A Scoping Review

TL;DR

This review explores the high suicide risk in people with frontotemporal dementia and identifies factors and interventions to address it.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive overview of suicide risk factors and interventions specific to frontotemporal dementia.

Findings

FTD subtypes and associated suicide risk factors were identified.

Depression and affective disorders are common in FTD and linked to suicidality.

Tailored behavioral assessments and caregiver interventions are needed for suicide prevention in FTD.

Abstract

Persons living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) have the highest suicide risk among persons living with dementia, yet their experiences are often overlooked in research and practice. This scoping review examined the literature on frontotemporal dementia and suicide, identified factors contributing to suicidal behavior, and explored potential treatment and prevention options. This encompassed the full spectrum of suicidality including suicidal ideation, attempts, and completed suicide. After formulating the research question, the researchers proceeded by following the PRISM-ScR guidelines. Five databases were systematically searched using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Studies were selected if they included FTD and suicide. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Key findings highlighted subtypes of FTD and suicide, risk factors in FTD and suicide, mental health conditions commonly occurring in FTD, and prevention and treatment methods. Instances of depression and other affective disorders were noted, alongside the characteristics and risk factors of suicide for the different subtypes of frontotemporal dementia. Findings underscore the need for prevention and treatment, family caregiver interventions, and the need for a tailored behavioral assessment for suicide in this population.