Older adults can have mental health problems. These problems are not just part of getting older. Many older people stay happy and active. But some need help to feel better. We will explain the most common psychiatric problems in older adults.
Quick Look
Many older people get:
- Depression and mood problems.
- Anxiety and panic problems.
- Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
- Sleep problems.
- Problems from medicines or alcohol.
Depression
Depression means feeling very sad or empty for a long time.
Older people may not say they feel sad. They may say they feel tired or have aches. This can make doctors miss depression. Many older adults have depression, and it can be treated.
Signs to watch for:
- Losing interest in things they used to like.
- Feeling tired a lot.
- Not eating or sleeping well.
- Saying they feel hopeless.
How CK Wellness, PLLC helps:
- We talk gently.
- We check health and medicines.
- We offer therapy and safe medicines.
- We make a plan just for the person.
Anxiety and Panic
Anxiety means feeling very worried or scared, even when there is no clear danger. Some older adults have ongoing worry or sudden panic attacks. These problems can make daily life hard. Treatments can help people feel calm again.
Signs to watch for:
- Lots of worry about small things.
- A fast heartbeat or trouble breathing in a panic attack.
- Avoiding places or things that worry them.
How CK Wellness, PLLC helps:
- We teach simple calming steps.
- We use therapy that works for older adults.
- We check medicines so they do not cause more problems.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia is when thinking and memory get worse over time. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Not all memory loss is dementia. But when memory and daily skills drop, it could be dementia. Millions of older adults have Alzheimer’s today. The number is growing as people live longer.
Signs to watch for:
- Forgetting things that used to be easy.
- Getting lost in familiar places.
- Trouble doing daily tasks like cooking or dressing.
- Personality or mood changes.
How CK Wellness, PLLC helps:
- We offer careful tests to find the cause.
- We make plans for safety and care.
- We teach families how to help with daily life.
- We work with other doctors for the best care.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep problems are common. Older adults may wake up many times at night. They may fall asleep too early in the day. Poor sleep can make mood and memory worse. Good sleep care can help mood and thinking.
Signs to watch for:
- Trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Feeling very sleepy during the day.
- Loud snoring or pauses in breathing (which could be sleep apnea).
How CK Wellness, PLLC helps:
- We look for reasons for bad sleep.
- We suggest safe sleep habits and ways to sleep better.
- We check medicines that can hurt sleep.
Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Some older adults may have psychosis. This suggests they might perceive sounds or sights that don’t exist or hold beliefs that aren’t true. Some people had schizophrenia earlier in life and still have it. Late-life psychosis can also start in older age. Care can help reduce fear and confusion.
Signs to watch for:
- Hearing voices or seeing things others do not.
- Strong false beliefs.
- Acting in ways that put them at risk.
How CK Wellness, PLLC helps:
- We check for medical causes first.
- We use medicines and therapy carefully.
- We keep safety and dignity first.
Substance Use Disorders
Some older adults use alcohol or medicines in ways that cause harm. This can be on purpose or by accident. Medicines can add up and cause problems. Drinking too much can hurt health and mood. It is never too late to get help.
Signs to watch for:
- Using more alcohol or pills than before.
- Getting into trouble at home or with doctors.
- Memory or balance problems that get worse.
How CK Wellness, PLLC helps:
- We check all medicines and alcohol use.
- We help make a safe plan to cut down.
- We offer therapy and support for families.
Why do These Problems Happen
Many things can cause mental health problems in older adults:
- Health problems like heart disease, stroke, or pain.
- Life changes, like losing a friend or moving homes.
- Side effects from medicines.
- Brain changes that come with aging.
These things can make mood, sleep, and thinking change. Many conditions are not found or treated enough. Getting help early is better for recovery.
When to Get Help
Get help if:
- A loved one changes how they act for weeks.
- They have trouble doing daily tasks.
- They talk about harming themselves.
- Family or caregivers feel worried.
How to start:
- Talk to a doctor you trust.
- Make a list of symptoms and medicines.
- Bring a family member to the visit if possible.
CK Wellness, PLLC can do a thorough check and make a gentle plan.
How Families Can Help
Families are very important. You can:
- Listen and be patient.
- Help with doctor visits.
- Keep a simple routine for meals and sleep.
- Watch for changes and speak to a doctor.
About CK Wellness, PLLC
CK Wellness PLLC provides kind and expert care for older adults.
Dr. Krishnaswamy Gajaraj and Shirnett Khorran-Gajaraj lead our team. They have more than 50 years of experience together. We treat many conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, sleep problems, ADHD, substance use, and dementia. We make care plans that fit each person. We guide families toward healing and hope.
If you or a loved one seems different or needs help, reach out. CK Wellness, PLLC can listen, check, and make a plan that feels safe and clear.
FAQs
Q. What do older adults often face?
Sadness, worry, memory problems, sleep trouble, or medicine problems.
Q. How do I know they need help?
If they act very differently for many days or forget to do things.