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| Rosanne Parks, BSN, MSN, Director SAGE Unit Managed by Research Psychiatric Center |
Since our SAGE Geri-Psychiatric unit deals mainly with those who are 55 years of
age or older, I often do research looking for more creative ways to evaluate
and engage our patients. During one such search, I came across an article that discussed the top five mental health
issues for the elderly.
After thinking about this article and how it accurately reflects the patients that we see daily, I once again came to the conclusion that I've reached before - public/private services for the elderly mentally ill simply can not keep pace with the need. Given the increased number of seniors, the limited resources available to educate families and treat their loved ones (especially in rural areas like ours at SAGE) I'm afraid that too many aging dementia and Alzheimer's patient will continue to suffer needlessly.
The top five elderly mental health issues are:
Depression, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, Anxiety, Suicide
