The following terms may be useful when describing the speech, behavior, or appearance of an older adult as they relate to possible mental disorders. These may be observed in a senior living setting. Correctly communicating the observations can be helpful to other health care team members. These signs often seen in mental disorders are from […]
In general, dementia produces a diffuse, or global decline in intellectual functioning. The symptoms of dementia cover a wide range of behaviors. These are shown in the table below. Memory loss An inability to learn new information; inability to recall recent events, familiar faces; long term memory is better preserved than recent and short term […]
Dementia is caused by various diseases and conditions, many with no cure. The table below shows the early symptoms, pathology, and prevalence of four main dementia subtypes, all progressive and irreversible. Type of Dementia Early Symptoms Pathology Prevalence Alzheimer’s Disease impaired memory, apathy, wandering, getting lost; problem recognizing others; impulsiveness; difficulty communicating Abnormal deposits of […]
Delirium is a state of mental confusion and disorganization. Delirium and dementia are different. This state of mental confusion and disorganization is found in older adults when they are experiencing a sudden or acute physical condition, or are recovering from surgery. It is sometimes called acute organic brain syndrome, acute confusional state, or mental fog. […]
Depression, dementia, and delirium are colloquially referred to as the “3 D’s”. First, what depression looks like: a) sad mood, feeling worthless, hopeless, and helpless; b) loss of interest, decreased energy, and loss of initiative; c) feelings of guilt and remorse, preoccupied with disappointment and failure; d) disruptions in sleep and eating habits; difficulty with […]
Falls Are Serious and Costly One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In 2015, the total medical costs for falls […]
In a world where the population of older adults is rapidly increasing, the role of geriatric care professionals has never been more crucial. These skilled individuals are not just caregivers; they are the pillars of support for the elderly, ensuring that the golden years of life are lived with dignity, comfort, and the highest possible […]
We live in a time where myths take the place of facts. We read that senior moments are momentary, related to age, undifferentiated, humorous, not a part of our identity, and can be prevented by motivation to change. Guess what? None of it is true. In this article, you’ll learn the seven most toxic myths about senior moments–ones […]
Former Vice President of the United States, Dan Quayle, once mistakenly quoted “a mind is a terrible thing to lose”. At the time the quote was thought of as funny, but the mind is a terrible thing to lose. And it is not funny when it happens. The mental processes and abilities that enable us […]
Imagine navigating our busy minds like an exhilarating roller-coaster ride! Our guide is the charismatic Teepa, a world-renowned dementia specialist, as she uncovers the curious workings of memory with humor, playfulness, and intriguing anecdotes. Listen here: The tour introduces ‘Memory Land’ – where ‘registering is king’. Teepa guides us through a bunch of haphazardly scattered […]
