Neuropsychiatry in the Elderly

Abstract

The world's population is rapidly aging, and many countries will experience a rapid increase in the number of aged individuals. This increase in the aged population will occur disproportionately in countries with developing economies where the recent introduction of public health policies have led to greater longevity. Diseases of the aged are responsible for enormous financial burdens in all countries. Three neuropsychiatric disorders are common in the elderly: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Each of these is accompanied by substantial neuropsychiatric morbidity, with behavioral manifestations being common in each of these illnesses. Recent strides in understanding the basic mechanisms of degenerative and vascular disorders has led to the introduction of new therapies and promise even greater therapeutic strides. A neuropsychiatric research continuum is critically important to ensure that basic science advances result in improved patient care. This continuum includes the basic sciences, clinical sciences, translational research (aimed at discovering optimal techniques for translating advances in basic and clinical science into improved patient care), and educational research.