Mental Health in Later Life: Understanding the 3Ds – Depression, Dementia, and Delirium

• Overview of Objectives

• Biological aspects: brain aging, neurodegeneration, physical health changes, sensory decline
• Cognitive aspects: changes in memory, attention, and executive function

Activities: Group discussion on the challenges of working with older adults, and case study analysis.

• Recognising the signs and symptoms of depression in older adults (e.g., sadness, apathy, withdrawal, sleep disturbances)
• Risk factors for depression: chronic illness, isolation, bereavement, financial issues
• The impact of loneliness and inactivity on mental health
• Social determinants of health affecting older adults: housing, access to care, socioeconomic status
• Appropriate screening tools for depression in later life (e.g., Geriatric Depression Scale)

Activities: Role-play identifying depression, small group work on risk factors, and discussion on referral options.

• Types of dementia and their clinical presentation: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, etc.
• The emotional and psychological effects of receiving a dementia diagnosis
• Person-centred care principles: focusing on the individual’s needs, preferences, and life history
• Communication strategies and techniques for improving interaction with patients with dementia
• Importance of supporting family and caregivers in dementia care

Activities: Group exercises on creating care plans, practical role-play on communication techniques, and video case study analysis.

• Understanding delirium: causes (e.g., infection, medication, dehydration), signs, and symptoms
• Differentiating between dementia and delirium: key distinctions in onset, progression, and reversibility
• The importance of early recognition and prompt treatment of delirium
• Assessment tools for delirium (e.g., Confusion Assessment Method (CAM))
• Immediate interventions and treatment options for delirium in a healthcare setting

Activities: Case scenario comparisons, group work on managing delirium, and role-play using assessment tools.

• How depression, dementia, and delirium can mimic or exacerbate one another
• Common challenges in differentiating between these conditions
• Impact of co-existing conditions on diagnosis, treatment, and care planning
• Holistic approaches to managing multiple conditions in older adults

Activities: Group discussion on managing overlapping symptoms, and case study analysis.

• Strategies for integrating awareness of the 3Ds into clinical practice
• Communication and care planning with families and caregivers
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: working with mental health specialists, geriatricians, and social services
• Documentation and use of screening tools in practice
• Referral processes for specialist mental health services

• Summary of key takeaways
• Q&A session