Psychiatric Disorders in the Aging Population: Diagnosis & Treatment of the Overlooked Patient

Caring for the Aging Patient
While the elderly are, in many respects, no different than their younger counterparts, there are dynamics in the aging process in Western culture that create subtle issues that are easily overlooked. Frequently, elderly patients are just written off as old and/or senile because neither caregiver nor elder recognize the deeper causes of the problems. Figuring out the root of aging patients' odd behavior and the reasons they act the way they do is a crucial factor in changing the environment within nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and even hospital and home-care settings. Recognition of these issues and properly addressing them improves the efficacy of treatment.

In this one-day seminar, Dr. Nygard will discuss common issues and possible psychiatric syndromes in the elderly patient. He will look at the often unrecognized influences of our media and culture on health care and elders' self-fulfilling prophecies for their behavior. Cognitive rehabilitation for dementia will be covered as well as alternative models for long-term care, such as the Eden Alternative and Green Houses. Participants will leave this seminar with the knowledge they need to immediately incorporate better treatment and understanding of their elderly patients.