The association between cognitive domains and suicidal ideation in patients with mild dementia: the crucial role of judgement domain

Judgment domain impairment plays a crucial and independent role in suicidal ideation among mild dementia patients, with more than half of the dementia-suicide association remaining significant even after accounting for emotional symptoms. While anxiety and depression are important concurrent factors requiring clinical attention, the fundamental role of cognitive decision-making capacity suggests that interventions targeting judgment enhancement should be considered as a primary approach in suicide prevention efforts for this population. Further research is needed to develop and validate interventions specifically targeting judgment enhancement while concurrently managing emotional symptoms in the context of dementia care.