Brain Volume Reductions and Relationship With Depression and Cognitive Functioning in Suicide in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study Using Bayesian Multilevel Modeling

A history of suicidal behavior, depression, and dementia-related cognitive decline are accompanied by reduced brain volumes in largely non-overlapping regions that nevertheless converge on the hippocampus. The hippocampus may be a nexus where independent changes associated with depression and suicide diathesis factors co-occur with dementia-related neurodegeneration. These results support distinct neurocognitive deficits in late-life suicide in older adults. A better understanding of hippocampal structure and function in people at risk of suicide will advance both risk prediction and treatment development.