Geriatric
psychology is a subfield
of psychology that specializes in the mental and physical health of those in
the later stage of life. These specialized psychologists study a variety of
psychological abilities that deplete as aging occurs such as memory, learning
capabilities, and coordination. Geriatric psychologists work with elderly
clients to conduct the diagnosis, study, and treatment of certain mental
illnesses in a variety of workplace settings. Geriatric psychology is a
competitive, but growing field, and interested individuals must complete many
years of schooling, including a Ph.D. program, an internship, and postdoctoral
fellowships.
Loneliness in elderly people
It is important to study the phenomenon of loneliness in the aging community, as many older individuals face a variety of problems including physical illness when faced with this common problem. It is important for nurses and other individuals who work in association with the elderly to understand the various theories of loneliness, as they may need to implement these perspectives into enhancing the lives of their patients.
Depression
Depression in the elderly community can have severe consequences, which is why it is an important public health problem and research area. Older adults facing this debilitating condition are less likely to endorse affective symptoms and are more likely to instead display cognitive changes, somatic symptoms, and loss of interest than are younger adults. It is co-morbid with “morbidity, increased risk of suicide, decreased physical, cognitive and social functioning, and greater self-neglect”, all of which are associated with an increase in mortality.
Dementia
Dementia is a variety of symptoms that apply to a decline in mental ability, not a specific disease. Geriatric psychologists work with dementia by aiding in the diagnosis of this disease. This is done through various cognitive tests and assessments. They will also look at research and potential treatment for dementia.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80 percent of dementia cases. Similar to dementia, a geriatric psychologist's role regarding Alzheimer's disease is the assessment, treatment, and research of the disease.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia, the second most common type of dementia, is the result of a stroke. A geriatric psychologist aids in the assessment, diagnosing, treatment, and research of vascular dementia.
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that has symptoms like tremors, slowing down, stiffness, and impaired balance. A geriatric psychologist's role for those with Parkinson's disease would be helping the person diagnosed deal with the stress they may encounter regarding Parkinson's Disease. Since it is not a brain disorder, the geriatric psychologist would not help with diagnosing or the treatment of the disease.
Role of the Geriatric Psychologist
A geriatric
psychologist specializes in the treatment of the elderly. This treatment can
include mental health problems or aid in the understanding and coping with the
aging process. In order to become a geriatric psychologist, one must obtain a
doctoral degree in psychology and specialize in adult development and aging.
Once the degree is obtained, geriatric psychologists will usually work in
hospitals, mental health clinics, rehab centers, nursing homes, and research
centers. Most geriatric psychologists work in medical facilities, however.
Geriatric psychologists spend most of their work day addressing mental health
issues in older adults and counseling those that need it. They also aid in the
diagnosis of age-related problems. In order to check for mental health issues,
geriatric psychologists will conduct clinical interview, neuropsychological
tests and behavioral observations.
Psychology versus Psychiatry
Geriatric
psychology is based upon the study of mental functions with aging. The
psychologist's purpose is to observe how the neurological and physiological
process of an elderly adults brain affects their behaviors in daily life. When
a psychologist is specialized in geriatrics they provide care for declining
brain functions to make life better. Geriatric psychiatry is more about the
diagnosis and treatment of certain mental disorders such as the ones listed
below. A geriatric psychiatrist is also a licensed doctor that can prescribe
medications for elderly patients. To become a psychiatrist you must attend and
graduate from medical school.
History of Geriatric Psychology
It all began in
1978, there was a spike in interest in mental health and the effects of aging.
There was slowly an increase in the number of aging adults in the U.S.
Research Areas
Loneliness in elderly people
It is important to study the phenomenon of loneliness in the aging community, as many older individuals face a variety of problems including physical illness when faced with this common problem. It is important for nurses and other individuals who work in association with the elderly to understand the various theories of loneliness, as they may need to implement these perspectives into enhancing the lives of their patients.
Depression
Depression in the elderly community can have severe consequences, which is why it is an important public health problem and research area. Older adults facing this debilitating condition are less likely to endorse affective symptoms and are more likely to instead display cognitive changes, somatic symptoms, and loss of interest than are younger adults. It is co-morbid with “morbidity, increased risk of suicide, decreased physical, cognitive and social functioning, and greater self-neglect”, all of which are associated with an increase in mortality.
Dementia
Dementia is a variety of symptoms that apply to a decline in mental ability, not a specific disease. Geriatric psychologists work with dementia by aiding in the diagnosis of this disease. This is done through various cognitive tests and assessments. They will also look at research and potential treatment for dementia.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80 percent of dementia cases. Similar to dementia, a geriatric psychologist's role regarding Alzheimer's disease is the assessment, treatment, and research of the disease.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia, the second most common type of dementia, is the result of a stroke. A geriatric psychologist aids in the assessment, diagnosing, treatment, and research of vascular dementia.
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that has symptoms like tremors, slowing down, stiffness, and impaired balance. A geriatric psychologist's role for those with Parkinson's disease would be helping the person diagnosed deal with the stress they may encounter regarding Parkinson's Disease. Since it is not a brain disorder, the geriatric psychologist would not help with diagnosing or the treatment of the disease.
No comments:
Post a Comment