Research

Understanding the mental health impact of a dementia diagnosis

Content warning: this article contains references to self-harm

Hamish Naismith became interested in dementia research after qualifying as a doctor.

‘While I was training in psychiatry, I realised that there was lots we didn’t know about how best to treat and support people with dementia and their families once they get a diagnosis.

‘And I felt that research is the best way to try and answer these questions.’ 

Improving dementia support

Hamish is now an Alzheimer’s Society Clinical Research Fellow at University College London. He’s researching why some people might go on to harm themselves after receiving a dementia diagnosis.

Getting a diagnosis can be helpful because it makes sense of the changes people with dementia and their loved ones have noticed.

‘But in rare but serious cases, people might harm themselves. My research is about understanding this risk and how we can reduce it.’

Hamish hopes his research will improve the support people receive after they get a diagnosis.

‘For example, it may be that people who are at risk of harming themselves need additional intensive help.

‘This might involve treating symptoms of depression, or other types of help in adjusting to their diagnosis.’

Personal experience 

Hamish says speaking to people affected by dementia is key to his research.

Their lived experience helps me understand what is important to them and what the results of my scientific studies mean in real life.

As well as relishing this face-to-face interaction, he enjoys the process of planning research too.

‘I really like having to think carefully about how to design research studies so they are scientifically sound and, when I have results, sharing and discussing them with my supervisors.’

Peer support

The impact of receiving a dementia diagnosis and the emotions it triggers vary from person to person. But support is vital for everyone, explains Hamish.

‘I believe it’s important for people affected by dementia to have support from other people in a similar situation.

‘This could be groups like cognitive stimulation therapy, run through memory services.

‘Equally important are less formal services, such as community groups or organisations. 

These can give people a sense of belonging, which might be challenged when they first receive a dementia diagnosis.

Hamish is grateful to Alzheimer’s Society supporters for helping make his research possible. He hopes it will make a difference in the future.

‘My research would not have been possible without Society funding.

‘It not only enables me to run my research studies, but get the necessary training to develop as a dementia researcher.’