| Contrary to popular belief, older adults have fewer
mental impairments than other age groups. The primary mental health
problem of older age is the result of cognitive impairment. The
common cognitive impairments seen in the elderly are known as dementia
disorders and can be divided into acute (reversible), and chronic
(irreversible).
Acute Brain Syndromes: These are also known as delirium
and are characterized by mental changes which occur in recent hours
or days. They are most often caused by physical disease (e.g., heart
attacks, infections, strokes, dehydration) or drug toxicity. The
symptoms are confusion, disorientation, inattention, stuporousness,
agitation, excitement. These symptoms may also be mistaken for irreversible
dementia and can go untreated or sometimes written off as expected
in an elderly person. The important thing to remember is that these
acute brain syndromes are often treatable and reversible.
Treatment: Recognize and manage the specific underlying
medical problem.
Dementia Disorders:This is a group of brain diseases that
can lead to a loss of intellectual functioning such as remembering,
reasoning and thinking. Dementia is not a disease but rather a group
of symptoms which may accompany a disease or condition. Other more
common symptoms may include changes in personality, mood, and behavior.
Some examples of diseases that produce dementia include: Alzheimer's
disease; vascular disease; multi infarct dementia; Parkinson's disease;
Huntington's disease; Lou Gehrig's disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob
disease.
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's Disease and it
affects an estimated 4 million Americans. Like other dementias,
its rate of progression can vary from person to person. Since the
disease is progressive and degenerative, it eventually leaves the
patient unable to care for themselves. Some of the warning signs
of the disease include: short term memory loss; wandering; restlessness;
mood swings; poor or decreased judgment. As a caregiver you may
be noticing some examples of behavioral changes like repeating the
same questions over and over, poor hygiene, difficulty preparing
a meal, getting lost, misplacing belongings, suspiciousness, and
irritability. Currently there is no known treatment to stop or reverse
the disease. However, there are prescription medications available
to treat mild to moderate symptoms, such as memory loss.
Since there are many causes of dementias that may be treatable
(depression, nutritional deficiencies, stroke) it is important have
the patient undergo a complete medical workup. It is never correct
to assume that a decline in mental functioning is a normal part
of aging.
Ways to help
- Seek and maintain medical advice and support
- Limit distractions
- Encourage movement and exercise
- Don't take aggression and combativeness personally
- Offer encouragement
- Attend support group meetings
- Utilize supportive services in the community
- Obtain educational material on Alzheimer's Disease. It is available
from the your local Area
Agency on Aging or the Alzheimer's
Association.
| A good rule is to find a physician who
is interested in the health care of elderly parents. |
|
Back
to top of this page
