Mental health problems are common in seniors but they often go overlooked. Some caregivers are able to detect when an older adult may be struggling with a mental health disorder while others may believe it's a normal part of aging.

Seniors who experience cognitive decline, reduced mobility, social isolation, and physical health problems are more likely to have mental illnesses. A sudden change in their behaviors shouldn't be dismissed or considered normal.

Mental health issues can be treated in older adults. However, family members or caregivers should keep an eye out and realize when something is wrong. In this article, we'll discuss the elderly's common mental health issues and how to recognize the symptoms. 

 

Introduction to the mental health issues faced by the elderly

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 20% of adults aged 60 and above suffer from a mental health disorder. It has also been established that 6.6% of all disabilities among older adults are attributed to mental and neurological disorders.

The most common mental issues among the elderly are depression and dementia (which affects 5% to 7% of the world's population over 60). Others include anxiety (which affects 3.8% of older adults), substance use disorder, frequent mental distress, and bipolar disorder.

There are certain risk factors and causes of mental health issues in seniors. Some of them may include chronic pain or physical health problems, social isolation and loneliness, cognitive decline, malnutrition, medication side effects, grief or widowhood, and reduced mobility.

Some warning signs of elderly mental health issues include a change in sleeping patterns (undersleeping or oversleeping), suicidal thoughts, high-stress levels, unusual ideas or behaviors, constant headaches and pain, anger and irritability, feeling hopeless, performing high-risk activities, or depending on drugs or alcohol.

When older adults begin to experience frequent changes in mood or memory, caregivers should be more attentive to their needs. They should consult the pharmacist if there's any medication that could be causing problems. Lastly, seniors should visit a doctor or physician for proper evaluation.

 

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term used to describe a range of conditions affecting the brain. It could be the loss of memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities that are severe enough to impair daily life and independent function.

Dementia is mostly caused by damage to brain cells through Alzheimer's disease or a series of strokes. The damage affects the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other and ends up disrupting thoughts, behaviors, and feelings.

The different types of dementia include Alzheimer's disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, Parkinson's Disease Dementia, and more. They are associated with particular types of brain cell damage in particular regions of the brain.

Early signs of dementia may include problems with short-term memory, losing track of the day or date, remembering appointments, getting lost in familiar places, problems with finding the right word or following a conversation, and mood changes such as anxiety, depression, or irritability.

Most mental health conditions in older adults are progressive. For example, the signs of dementia start slowly and gradually get worse. Some symptoms in the later stages of dementia include physical problems such as weight loss, muscle weakness, and changes in appetite and sleep habits.

 

How to cope with it & prevent it

Although the biggest risk factor for dementia is old age, there are ways to reduce an elder's risk of having it. For example, a healthy lifestyle helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases (stroke and heart diseases) which can cause Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia. So here's how to prevent it.

 

1.   Eat healthily

Research shows that the best foods for the heart are also good for the brain. Older adults who eat healthy and balanced diets not only reduce their risk of having dementia but also ward off other conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, stroke, cancer, heart disease, and more.

 

2.   Physical activity

Seniors who do not engage in regular physical activities are likely to have problems with memory or thinking. They should move around and perform aerobic activities such as walking, cycling, or dancing as well as strengthen and conditioning exercises or yoga.

 

3.   Reduce your alcohol intake

Too much alcohol can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and dementia. Seniors who drink alcohol regularly should stick to the recommended limit of drinking no more than 14 drinks per week (for men) and 7 drinks per week (for women).

 

4.   Don't smoke

Smoking can cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of getting heart disease. Older adults who smoke are more likely to develop dementia. The earlier a senior stops smoking, the more brain damage they can avoid.

 

5.   Remain active

To prevent dementia and other mental health issues, elders should try to engage in mental or social activities. They help to build the brain's ability to cope with disease, relieve stress, and improve moods. Useful brain activities include adult learning, playing games, reading books, etc.