Treatment programs
disorders treated
Disorders of Old Age
Quick facts
The aging process is a natural part of our development; when we are born we start to age and go through childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle age, older age and so on.
There comes a point when our bodies do not grow any further and we reach a growth plateau. Once this growth plateau has been reached, some aspects of our health can start to decline. We still however have the ability to grow and develop psychologically, socially and spiritually!!
Other changes are often happening at the same time. We may be adjusting to retirement, changing our accommodation, adjusting to financial changes that may affect our lifestyle, losing friends and loved ones, and watching our children move out of the family home, (…finally).
Maintaining a healthy mental attitude and state is therefore important in continuing this natural process of development.
Memory Difficulties
It's Normal to Forget
As we get older the most common changes that we complain about are our memory and concentration. Fortunately knowledge about how memory changes as we get older is allot more positive than in the past.
Our memories are remarkable, faster than the most advanced computer but we still forget things like finding those keys or that purse or that important date in our diaries. If we start to worry about our memory it could mean that our memory or concentration is getting worse.
The fact is that the aging process does affect our attention span, our ability to get new information into storage and the time it takes to remember things. Other factors that can influence our memory are; poor hearing or sight, alcohol and tranquillisers, pain, poor health, stress and poor sleep, and feeling depressed.
Further reading
What can be done?
Early assessment and intervention for these people is very important. Assessments of cognition and memory to assist in the early detection of cognitive decline can prevent the anxiety, stress and sadness often experienced by these people. With early detection plans can be made for the individuals safety, day to day functioning, living arrangements and even employment
Early detection and intervention with these assessments can help channel people into the appropriate services and help clarify what at times can be a confusing time in the person's life.
Occasionally there is a need to rule out the possibility of organic or medical complications when treating psychological conditions. Neuropsychological testing can assist the treating professionals in determining whether there is a biological problem.
Memory Clinic
Perth Clinic conducts assessments of cognition and memory to assist in the early detection of cognitive decline. As such, problems can have a significant effect on the individual's safety and day to day functioning. These assessments can help channel people into the appropriate services.
Occasionally there is a need to rule out the possibility of organic or medical complications when treating psychological conditions. Neuropsychological testing can assist the treating professionals in determining whether there is a biological problem.
Information Sessions
Information sessions are run every Thursday from 3 - 4pm at Perth Clinic, 33 Havelock St, West Perth. These sessions are aimed at providing information about the aging process, Perth Clinic services and behavioural strategies to maximise memory function.