These specialized psychologists study a variety of psychological abilities that deplete as aging occurs such as memory, learning capabilities, and coordination.
Geriatric psychologists work with elderly clients to conduct the diagnosis, study, and treatment of certain mental illnesses in a variety of workplace settings.
The psychologist's purpose is to observe how the neurological and physiological process of an elderly adult's brain affects their behaviors in daily life.
When a psychologist is specialized in geriatrics, they provide care for declining brain functions to improve quality of life.
[1][2][3] The field composes of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of areas such as depression, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
This treatment can include mental health problems or aid in understanding and coping with the aging process.
In order to become a geriatric psychologist, one must obtain a doctoral degree in psychology and specialize in adult development and aging.
Geriatric psychologists spend most of their workday addressing mental health issues in older adults and counseling those that need it.
In order to check for mental health issues, geriatric psychologists will conduct clinical interviews, neuropsychological tests, and behavioral observations.
Nurses and other individuals who work in association with the elderly learn the various theories of loneliness, as they may need to implement these perspectives into enhancing the lives of their patients.
[8] Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are also major risk factors for poor cognitive and physical health.
A meta-analysis and systematic review of 16 studies found that initially dementia-free older adults had a significantly increased risk of developing dementia when experiencing extreme levels of loneliness.
The researchers did in fact find that the residents experienced reduced feelings of loneliness after AAT, and many of them wished to have their own pets.
Depression in the elderly community can have severe consequences, which is why it is an important public health problem and research area.
The development of late-life depression has several risk factors that likely compose of "cognitive diathesis, age-associated neurobiological changes, genetic vulnerabilities, and stressful life events".
Impacts of sleep deprivation are reduced glucose tolerance, elevated evening cortisol levels, and increased sympathetic nervous system activity.
Research shows that feelings of loneliness and depression can result in poor sleep quality and daytime dysfunctions.
A meta-analysis on this topic found that non-pharmacological interventions had the most statistically significant outcomes when used complementarily to conventional treatments.