206 - Suicide and euthanasia in young onset dementia

Abstract

Background

Dementia affects people that have not reached the age of 65 years. Persons diagnosed with dementia before this age, are often referred to as people with “young onset dementia". They are normally diagnosed in a later stage of the disorder compared to their older peers. This, probably due to a larger variety of brain disorders causing dementia among young persons compared to what is the case among elderly. People with young onset dementia experience a great transformation of existential life. Studies have shown that they are more aware of the disease and depressed than people with late onset dementia. The awareness of disease increases the risk of suicide ideation in this population. Health personnel should therefore be more trained to detect and diagnose young persons with dementia at an earlier stage, to meet their needs. Providing tailored services to them and their families may contribute to prevent suicide and adequately address thoughts about ending life.

Content of the Session

We will organize four lectures with speakers from Brazil, Norway, the Netherlands and Portugal. The first lecture will contain results focusing on awareness of the disease and suicide ideation and the different awareness between persons with young onset of dementia and late onset dementia. The second and third lecture will report results from two qualitative studies, in which young persons with dementia have been interviewed express ideas about suicide and end of life. The last one will build on a case report to discuss the role of family interventions in the clinical context of YOD, including scenarios involving including scenarios involving suicidality and challenges related with the legalization of euthanasia.

Scientific Purpose

To contribute to the development of knowledge and understanding of the situation of young persons with dementia and their life situation based on three scientific studies and a clinically based discussion of the topic.