Mental Disorders Among Seniors

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Overview

Who is a Senior? Some mental health facts Types of mental disorders How you can help

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Who is a Senior?

Did you know according to US census 2000 there are approximately 35 million seniors in the USA

Conventionally, the term “senior” (or “elderly”) is used to refer to someone who is 65 years or older

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Some mental health facts

Nearly 20% of the elderly suffer some form of mental illness

Some common illnesses: Dementia, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer

Rate of suicide among seniors is highest compared to all other age groups Rate is twice the national average for people older

than 85

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Types of Mental Disorders Among Seniors

Types of Mental Disorders Among Seniors

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Dementia Often mistakenly thought of

as part of growing old In fact, a form of mental illness

Typical symptoms Confusion Memory loss Disorientation

Gets worse with age Affects 30-50% of people older

than 85 years

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Alzheimer’s A form of dementia Typical symptoms

Memory loss Loss of cognition Behavior changes

Progressively gets worse over many years ultimately causing death Fourth leading cause of death in

America 1 million people over age 65

severely affected

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Anxiety Disorders The name says it all ! Typical symptoms

High level of anxiety Panic attacks Phobias Obsession

Coping mechanisms may cause more harm than good

Impossible to lead a normal productive life

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Schizophrenia Sometimes referred to as

split-personality or multiple personality disorder

Affects a person’s thoughts and behavior

Typical symptoms Delusional thinking Hallucinations Hearing voices

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Effective tools at your disposal

As a caregiver you can provide Humor Reassurance Distraction Understanding Making sure they take their

medication and keep their doctor’s appointment

Remember, you can make a difference!