The Natural Aging Mind

As individuals get older not only do their physical bodies age, but the mind also goes through a normal aging process. Researchers are still exploring how the brain changes with age. Current evidence indicates that cellular and molecular changes take place over time even though the overall structural integrity seems to be largely preserved. Scientists have also measured changes in brain related functions that often cause frustration and concern among the aging population. Cognitive (memory, language, learning, and attention) and physical impairments are not unusual and do decline as a normal course of aging. Individuals who are concerned about impairments should consult their health care provider to determine if there is an underlying condition.

According to the Administration on Aging, "mental disorders represent a grave threat to the health and well-being of older adults." Mental disorders are not considered to be part of the normal aging process although they tend to affect approximately 20% of people aged 55 years and older. Anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias are most prevalent. Other common mental disorders include severe cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease; and mood disorders including depression. Personality disorders and schizophrenia are less common among older adults; however older adults have been shown to have a higher rate of suicide.

Many mental disorders can be effectively treated; however, identification and treatment of mental disorders in aging adults is often problematic. Myths about the aging process, stigmas associated with treatment, age related differences in symptoms and treatment, difficulty accessing services, and a lack of appropriately trained professionals in the area of geriatric mental health contribute to the problem.

Demographic data indicates that the elderly population will grow rapidly over the next 30 years as 76 million "baby boomers" enter the older adult population. Expectations are that by 2030, older adults will account for 20% of the nations population, an increase of 7% from today. Current research is promising and continued mental health and aging research will be essential to meet the expected increased need for mental health services in the future.

Depresssion

According to the Surgeon General almost 16% of all Americans aged 65 and older suffer from some form of depression even though depression is not considered part of the "normal" aging process. Recognition and treatment of depression is important in preventing suicide and improving quality of life for older adults. Depression increases the risk of death for nursing home patients and for those who suffer a heart attack. Current research efforts are aimed at improving health care providers identification and treatment of depression in the aging population. Individuals who have symptoms of depression that last for more than a few weeks should be referred to a physician or mental health specialist for evaluation and possible treatment. There are several options available to treat depression.

The pull-down menu below offers information about depression from a selection of government resources including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, and National Institute on Aging.

Other Depression and Suicide Resources on HOOAH 4 HEALTH:
Depression Resources
Suicide Resources
Reference: Vitality Brochure, "Your Mental Health", 1997

Suicide

According to the Surgeon General and National Institute of Mental Health, those age 65 and older represent 20% of all suicides even though they only represent 13% of the population. Extremely alarming is that the suicide rate for white males aged 85 and older is six times greater than the national rate. Older adults have a higher prevalence of depression than the young, tend to be more socially isolated, often use highly lethal methods, and have more physical illness. There are several outreach and intervention programs available to those who might be contemplating suicide.

The pull-down menu below offers information about suicide from a selection of government resources including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, Center for Mental Health Services, and the Surgeon General.