rank-math domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/bryantelderlaw/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114rank-math-pro domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/bryantelderlaw/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114rocket domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/bryantelderlaw/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114While anxiety and concern related to the pandemic affect people of all ages, the elderly may be more susceptible to mental health disorders during this time. Do you know someone who is beginning to show signs of aggressiveness, confusion, and other inappropriate behavior? As loved ones age<\/a>, it\u2019s natural for some changes to occur. Occasional forgetfulness is one thing; however, persistent cognitive or memory loss is potentially serious. A diagnosis of possible Alzheimer\u2019s disease could be something else.<\/p>\n Mental health disorders affect about 20% of older adults in the U.S. Unfortunately, nearly one in three of those seniors does not receive treatment. Depression and mood disorders affect up to 5% of seniors 65 and older living in the community, and up to 13.5% of older adults who receive home healthcare or are hospitalized. Most bipolar patients get diagnosed in early adulthood. It is estimated that only about 10% of individuals who have a bipolar disorder will have an onset after age 50, and that 5% will have an onset of the disorder after age 60.<\/p>\n It can be difficult to differentiate dementia and mental illness in seniors because the confusion, erratic behavior, and memory loss symptoms they experience are present in both diseases. Seniors are often overlooked, causing the rate of suicide to be higher in senior years than in any other age group. It is best to have a psychologist attempt to clarify whether there are symptoms of anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, depression and\/or psychosis. It is helpful for the psychologist to speak with involved family members who may have observations of difficulties that the senior does not see. A complete neuropsychiatric consultation to diagnose the disorder should include cognitive tests, medication and supplement review, laboratory assessments and neuroimaging such as CAT scan or MRI.<\/p>\n Cognitive decline, loss of loved ones, memory changes, physical changes and retirement can all trigger significant emotional issues. Older adults experience stress like all people, but even the normal emotional and physical stresses that go along with aging can be risk factors for mental illnesses<\/a>. Now, isolation due to concerns over their increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can take a toll on seniors\u2019 mental health.<\/p>\n Careful attention to your aging loved one\u2019s mental health is even more important now amid fear and stress over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. During these times of social distancing, be sure to keep a close eye on your aging loved one when you\u2019re dropping off groceries, talking on the phone, or doing a video chat to spot signs they need help. Do not hesitate to seek help if your loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms above. Your loved one\u2019s family doctor is always a good place to start.<\/p>\n