|
 |
|
      |
|
|
|
 Research & Giving News Article  These new opportunities also bring new challenges. Many older people must cope with physical limitations, health problems, cognitive changes and bereavements, all too often being burdened by depression. Physical changes occurring in the aging brain have also been linked to depression in the elderly. For those who enter their senior years already living with a psychiatric disorder, treatment for pre-existing mental illnesses may be complicated by the effects of aging. Contrary to common misperceptions, however, depression and mental disorders are not inevitable consequences of aging, and treatments exist for this population just as they do for other age groups. Disturbingly, studies have shown that even among those older adults who are diagnosed as being impaired, the proportion that receives adequate treatment is markedly lower than in younger groups. Over the past twenty years, scientific research has generated a vastly expanded understanding of mental illness. At the forefront of these efforts is the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD), funding researchers studying a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Many NARSAD scientists are actively conducting research to shed light on the issues of geriatric mental illness. From studies that observe patients’ symptoms and treatments (clinical studies), to research which utilizes the latest technologies to look at brain function (imaging studies), NARSAD researchers are engaged in important investigations to improve the quality of life for senior adults. Until recently, neuroscience researchers could only make educated guesses about what went on in the human brain. Now, dramatic advances in neuro-imaging technologies make it possible for scientists to observe brain processes in operation. NARSAD investigators are utilizing these imaging techniques to study geriatric mental illness. Howard Aizenstein, M.D., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh (NARSAD 2004 Young Investigator) is conducting an fMRI imaging study of cognitive impairment in geriatric depression. Such depression is often caused by cognitive impairments. But, researchers differ as to whether these impairments have more in common with Alzheimer’s disease or vascular disease of the brain. Dr. Aizenstein hopes that by better understanding the neurobiology of these impairments we can find better treatments for them – especially as new treatments become available for Alzheimer’s and vascular disease. John L. Beyer, M.D., Duke University Medical Center (NARSAD 2003 Young Investigator) is using Diffusion Tensor Imaging to study the changes that occur in the prefrontal cortex of the brain in late-life bipolar disorder. His study aims to provide more information on the impact that bipolar disorder has on individuals late in life, and how these changes might affect their response to treatment. Investigating the relationship between depression and cognitive decline is Kevin Duff, Ph.D., University of Iowa (NARSAD 2005 Young Investigator). Dr. Duff is analyzing data compiled on people who have been the subjects of long-term health studies. Looking at their mental health over the span of years – particularly as it relates to episodes of depression – has the potential to answer many important questions about the affect of depression on medical conditions, behavior, and cognition. Kristine Yaffe, M.D., University of California, San Francisco, a three-time NARSAD grant recipient (2004 Independent Investigator, 2001 Young Investigator, 1997 Young Investigator), continues her innovative research on mental illness in older people, studying the role of inflammation and cerebrovascular disease in depression together with cognitive impairment among older people. Studying mental health in older women is Laura D. Baker, Ph.D., University of Washington (NARSAD 2002 Young Investigator). Since menopause brings many hormonal changes for women, Dr. Baker is researching the effects of estrogen on older women’s response to stress to develop better treatment approaches for them. Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that often begins in young adulthood and is usually a life-long condition. With the graying of America, the number of senior citizens with schizophrenia is expected to more than double over the next three decades, yet relatively little research has focused on this rapidly growing group. The aging of schizophrenia patients is another area being studied by NARSAD researchers. Sarah Pratt, Ph.D., Dartmouth College (NARSAD 2003 Young Investigator), has embarked on an investigation of medication adherence and the use of memory strategies in older adults with schizophrenia. Individuals with schizophrenia frequently have difficulty adhering to medication regimens. At the same time, older schizophrenia patients face the substantial risk posed by other medical conditions. Not adhering to medication schedules places this vulnerable group at risk not only psychiatrically, but also for serious medical complications. Dr. Pratt is evaluating whether using certain memory strategies will have an impact on their ability to keep up with their medications. Findings from her project will be used to design an intervention program tailored to older people with schizophrenia, using memory strategies that seem most effective for this group. Laura B. Dunn, M.D., University of California, San Diego (NARSAD 2002 Young Investigator), is focusing on the ethics of research on older schizophrenia patients. A fundamental principle of research is the requirement to obtain informed consent from the subjects being studied. When those needed for a study may not fully understand what they are agreeing to – as can be the case with cognitively impaired or severely mentally ill individuals – the research community endeavors to establish appropriate standards to best inform them. Dr. Dunn is examining an enhanced method of informing older schizophrenia patients, with the hope of laying the groundwork for better procedures in this area in the future. Finally, NARSAD researchers are working toward improving independence and quality of life for mentally ill seniors. Dilip V. Jeste, M.D., University of California, San Diego (NARSAD 2002 Distinguished Investigator), has concluded a study that looked at the possibility of work rehabilitation in older people with schizophrenia. Dr. Jeste studied a group of 400 middle-aged and elderly patients who had grappled with schizophrenia most of their adult lives. Finding that many were not functioning up to their potential, he believed that work rehabilitation programs – such as supported employment – could benefit them vocationally while at the same time improving their overall quality of life. In describing his work, Dr. Jeste pointed out that society has a fundamental bias against aging – a bias which reinforces in this population a self-fulfilling prophecy that older people with schizophrenia are incapable of benefiting from work rehabilitation programs. The data which resulted from his study provided supporting evidence that older schizophrenia patients can, indeed, benefit from such programs. Moreover, the results of the NARSAD project enabled members of his research group to obtain more funding to continue this line of research. As in other areas of neuroscience, progress in the battle against mental illness in the elderly comes slowly – but research provides hope. With the continuing support of all of us, scientists will continue to generate the building-blocks of knowledge that lead us toward better treatments and eventually cures. |
Media Contact
Upcoming NARSAD Events
Latest News from NARSAD
Spotlight
|
|
For the Media