WELLNESS
Psychiatrists offer support for aging
Geriatric psychiatrists are tuned into the unique needs of aging men and women.
Many positive changes
come with aging. Financial
independence, freedom to
pursue hobbies, and more
time to spend with loved ones
are some such benefits.
But as men and women
age, they also must give
consideration to those changes
few consider until they’re
happening. Retirement, loss
of a spouse, distance from
family, downsizing, and
fears of illness must be given
their due attention so aging
adults can get the assistance
they need when they need it.
Geriatric psychiatrists can
fill the gaps where others
cannot.
The American Association
for Geriatric Psychiatry
defines the profession as a
Doctor of Medicine or Doctor
of Osteopathy with special
training in the diagnosis and
treatment of mental disorders
that may occur in older
adults. These disorders may
include, but are not limited to,
dementia, depression, anxiety,
late-life addiction disorders,
and schizophrenia. Although
geriatric psychiatrists can
treat these and more, they
also may help adults navigate
emotional, physical, and
social needs that come with
getting older.
The AAGP estimates that
the rate of mental illness
among older adults will double
over the next 10 years from
what it was in 2000. Many of
the people treated will need
assistance with symptoms of
dementia. The organization
Alzheimer’s Disease
International indicates there
are more than 9.9 million new
cases of dementia each year
worldwide.
Geriatric psychiatrists can
provide specialized care to
this unique demographic. They
often focus on prevention,
evaluation, diagnosis, and
treatment of mental and
emotional disorders in the
elderly, says the American
Psychiatric Association, an
advocate for improvement
of psychiatric care for
elderly patients. Geriatric
psychiatrists understand
how medication dosage and
therapy treatments may
need to be customized as one
ages. They also can consult
with experts in neurology
and primary care physicians
when there are symptoms
across various fields, which
may be the case when patients
are experiencing memory
impairment, anxiety, and
depression.
Geriatric psychiatrists
suggest speaking with mental
health professionals early
on if symptoms of low mood,
restlessness, insomnia, and
other hallmarks of potential
mental dysfunction are
present in elderly patients.
This way, doctors can step
in early and improve their
quality of life.
TIMESLEDGER,26 APR. 19-25, 2019 QNS.COM
/QNS.COM
