Table 2 The frequency of risk factors which contribute to occurrence of suicidal behavior among people with dementia and their caregivers identified in the selected studies

Risk factors associated with suicidal behavior in both people with dementia and their caregivers

 (1) Higher severity of depression and anxiety

• In people with dementia: 7 studies ([31, 34, 45, 46, 50, 52, 54])

• In caregivers of people with dementia: 6 studies ([17, 20,21,22, 24, 26])

 (2) Pre-existing mental health problem

• In people with dementia: 2 studies [19, 48]

• In caregivers of people with dementia: 2 studies [23, 28]

 (3) Pre-existing physical health condition

• In people with dementia: 1 study [52]

• In caregivers of people with dementia: 3 studies ([23, 24, 26])

 (4) Presence of or more severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)

• In people with dementia: 1 study [47]

• In caregivers of people with dementia: 1 study [21]

Risk factors associated with suicidal behavior only in people with dementia

 (1) Shortly or within 3 months after diagnosis of dementia

7 studies [36, 47, 48, 50, 52, 53, 55]

 (2) Younger age of diagnosis (50 to 69 years old)

4 studies [36, 45, 48, 52]

 (3) History of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization

3 studies [37, 38, 50]

 (4) Alzheimer’s disease alone

2 studies [19, 47]

 (4) Passive self-harm

2 studies [33, 37]

 (4) Better cognitive function

2 studies [43, 47]

 (4) Advanced dementia

2 studies [47, 49]

 (8) Higher thought and concentration disturbance

1 study [34]

 (8) Worsening of cognitive decline

1 study [34]

 (8) Mixed Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia

1 study [31]

 (8) Lower degree of wish to live

1 study [31]

 (8) Greater degree of wish to die

1 study [31]

 (8) Reduced quality of life

1 study [47]

 (8) Stress and hopelessness

1 study [45]

 (8) Delusional symptoms

1 study [54]

 (8) Antidementia medication prescription

1 study [54]

 (8) Higher level of daily functioning

1 study [49]

 (8) Previous suicidal attempts

1 study [49]

 (8) Recent mild cognitive impairment

1 study [53]

 (8) Living in rural area

1 study [55]

 (8) Chronic pain

1 study [55]

 (8) Substance use

1 study [55]

 (8) Comorbid Parkinson’s disease

1 study [45]

 (8) Prescription of antidepressant and anxiolytic medication

1 study [50]

 (8) Moderate dementia

1 study [54]

Risk factors associated with suicidal behavior only in caregivers of people with dementia

 (1) Absence of social and family support

2 studies ([24, 26])

 (2) Emotional burnout

1 study [17]

 (2) Depersonalization

1 study [17]

 (2) Lower self-esteem

1 study [22]

 (2) Dysfunctional coping

1 study [22]

 (2) Higher burden of care

1 study [17]

 (2) Insomnia

1 study [8]

 (2) Feeling lonely

1 study [24]

 (2) Lower sense of competence and mastery

1 study [24]

 (2) Poor mental health

1 study [22]

 (2) Unemployment

1 study [26]

 (2) Living without a partner

1 study [26]

 (2) Impaired social, physical and emotional function

1 study [26]

 (2) Care receiver related factors (impairment in basic activities such as eating, dressing, bathing, and maintaining personal hygiene; incontinence)

1 study [21]