An occupational therapist says, though Lionel Desmond showed clear signs of diminished cognitive ability, the cause wasn’t clear.
Julie Beauchesne, an occupational therapist at Ste. Anne’s veterans’ hospital in Quebec, had appeared at the Desmond Fatality Inquiry before.
Her testimony was ended early by technical issues on Mar. 5, so she was recalled Wednesday.
Beauchesne told the inquiry Desmond had reported concussions, but his mental health problems could also have been responsible for his cognitive issues.
“The symptoms of depression, the symptoms of PTSD, can also translate into cognitive difficulties,” she said. “So it’s hard to really define what’s responsible for what.”
She said Desmond needed a neuropsychological assessment, but that service wasn’t available in-house at the Sainte Anne’s clinic.
Beauchesne said that’s why they recommended he receive one when he returned to community care.
“It had to be clarified,” she said. “What the mild cognitive impairment is stemming from.”
She said Desmond didn’t receive one after he left the program.
Desmond killed his wife, mother, daughter, and then himself in their Upper Big Tracadie home in 2017.
