Mental health in older adults: major neurocognitive, affective, and sleep disorders

• Main Authors: Tania Tello-Rodríguez, Renato D. Alarcón, Darwin Vizcarra-Escobar
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Instituto Nacional de Salud 2016-06-01
• Series: Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Pública
• Subjects: salud mental; adulto mayor; trastornos neurocognitivos; trastornos del sueño; depresión
• Online Access: https://rpmesp.ins.gob.pe/index.php/rpmesp/article/view/2211

Numerous biological, psychological, and social factors influence the mental health of elderly individuals to varying degrees. Apart from components related to the normal aging process and the co-occurrence of various medical conditions, events such as the death of a loved one, retirement, or disability significantly contribute to a variety of mental and emotional problems in this stage of the life cycle. The most frequent problems affect the neurocognitive, emotional, and oneiric spheres. Major neurocognitive disorders reduce one’s overall performance and, thus, increase their need for close care. Affective disorders may be exacerbated by the lack of family support and decreased social interactions, which may lead to significant isolation result in suicidal behavior. The increased frequency of sleep disorders such as insomnia and daytime sleepiness and specific disorders such as obstructive apnea significantly alter the quality of life of this population.