Everyone adjusts to the mental changes of aging differently. But not all of the adjustments are healthy.
In normal aging, processing information and formulating responses takes longer than before. This slowing is known as cognitive aging.
Having trouble with everyday tasks like remembering the monthly bills or finding things around the home isn’t just “aging.” It could be a sign of dementia.
Memory Loss
For some people, becoming forgetful or losing track of things is a normal part of aging. But it is important to be aware of when memory lapses or other cognitive changes become so frequent that they cause concern for you or your loved one. The first sign of a problem should be an evaluation by a doctor.
In a typical aging brain, short-term memories tend to fade first. This is why it can be difficult to remember names or events that occurred recently. However, long-term memory usually stays sharp. Some types of cognition may also slow down as you get older, such as when it takes longer to shift mental gears, like switching from a cooking recipe to a grocery list.
A decline in cognitive function can also be caused by medications, alcohol abuse, a lack of physical activity, sleep disturbances, and depression. In addition, some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, are risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Other potential causes of memory loss include head injuries, recurring infections, and certain health conditions like a stroke or diabetes.
Symptoms of normal memory loss in the elderly include occasional errors when balancing a checkbook or forgetting how to use a particular household appliance. Other symptoms include difficulty following a conversation, being confused about where they are or what day it is, requiring assistance with clothing or self-care, and uncontrolled urination or defecation.
The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which results from abnormal buildups of proteins called plaque and tangles in the brain. This can disrupt the normal flow of signals between nerve cells and lead to memory loss.
The risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia increases with age, but lifestyle habits can reduce the chance of developing them. Eating a nutritious diet, staying physically active, not smoking, controlling blood pressure and depression, and managing stress levels can all help lower your risk. For some older adults, these habits can even prevent or delay the onset of dementia. Talk to your doctor about your risks and how to incorporate these healthy habits into your routine.
Stress
Getting older often involves dealing with some physical challenges but can also include emotional stress. This stress can be caused by many things, including financial concerns, health issues, caretaking responsibilities, and even losing a loved one. Those who are experiencing this type of stress may feel that their quality of life is decreasing, leading to depression or anxiety.
The human body has a built-in way to deal with danger, and this process is known as the “stress response.” When the brain senses that it’s in danger, it will send messages to the adrenal glands to release hormones that speed up the heart rate, breathing, and other physical processes. This natural response can help us survive, but when it’s chronic, it can be dangerous.
It’s important for seniors to be aware of signs that they might be feeling too much stress so that they can seek help before it becomes a serious problem. Symptoms of excessive stress can include headaches, back pain, fatigue (physical and mental), changes in appetite, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
Elderly people who are suffering from stress are at an increased risk of developing a health condition like high blood pressure or heart disease, which can lead to death. This is because the body’s natural ability to heal decreases with age, making it harder for seniors to bounce back from these illnesses.
While the ability to recover from physical stress is reduced, some forms of mental stress are not. In fact, it’s been found that as people age, they have a tendency to focus on the positive aspects of situations and problems. This can be a problem because it can make them less likely to plan for unpleasant events that may occur in the future.
In addition to physical stress, elderly people can experience emotional stress from social isolation, boredom, or feelings of loss of purpose. For example, if a senior is forced to give up driving due to an illness or injury, they may feel that their life is no longer meaningful. They could begin to withdraw emotionally from friends and family members or even become irritable and angry.
Depression
As people age, the loss of friends and family members, physical limitations, and the effects of illness can lead to depression. Depression is not a normal part of the aging process, and it can be very difficult to recognize and treat in older adults. Many people have difficulty asking for help when they are depressed. They may also have been raised in a culture that viewed mental illness as shameful and misunderstood or feels they are too much of a burden to their families.
In addition, some elderly individuals believe that depression is a normal part of the aging process or that their symptoms are caused by their illness or by the onset of dementia. Some may even deny they are suffering from depression because they are too ashamed or think that their family and doctors will not believe them. They may express their feelings through physical complaints such as arthritis pain, headache, changes in appetite or sleep, or difficulty functioning or moving.
For some, retirement can be depressing because they do not have the same sense of purpose or identity as they did when they were working. The loss of a spouse or partner can also increase the likelihood of depression and stress related to financial difficulties or fear of abuse or neglect. Older people often blame themselves when they are depressed and may isolate themselves to mourn the loss of loved ones.
There are several ways to treat depression in the elderly, including psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Medications can include SSRIs, which are non-habit forming and do not interact with other drugs. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help change negative thought patterns and encourage positive behavior. In addition, social and community support groups can provide emotional and psychological support. If you or a family member is experiencing depression, seek help immediately. Depression is not a normal part of aging, but it is treatable and is often more manageable with early detection and intervention. The most important thing is to remember that depression is not a sign of weakness and can be treated just as effectively in the elderly as it is in younger adults.
Anxiety
Everyone adjusts to aging differently; for some seniors, these emotional changes can lead to various mental disorders. If they fail to seek treatment, these conditions can negatively impact their quality of life and might even worsen.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common type in older adults. Symptoms of GAD include irrational and excessive worrying, difficulty sleeping, sweating, fast heart rate, and trembling. In addition to that, some elderly individuals might feel a sense of hopelessness and depression which leads to social isolation or suicidal thoughts.
Another common type of anxiety disorder in the elderly is specific phobias, which are irrational fears related to particular places, things, or situations. It is also common for elderly individuals to experience a decrease in physical abilities as they age, which might increase their fear of losing independence or becoming dependent on others.
Anxiety can be treated with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or a variety of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Elderly people might also be prescribed benzodiazepines for short-term relief of anxiety. However, these medications are not suitable for long-term use and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision.
It is important to talk to your loved one if you notice any signs of anxiety. You can help them understand that they are not alone and that their feelings are normal, and you can also suggest ways to alleviate their symptoms. For example, regular exercise can improve mood and reduce stress levels, while meditation and deep breathing can be helpful in reducing anxiety. You can also encourage them to engage in activities that bring them joy and socialize with friends and family. Additionally, you can educate yourself about the different types of anxiety disorders in seniors and how they can be managed. You can also learn about the different ways that a geriatric psychologist can help your loved one manage their symptoms. This can help you determine if they need professional assistance or senior care.
