330.618.01 MENTAL HEALTH IN LATER LIFE

Contrasts the definition, diagnosis, risk factors, natural history, functional implication, and settings of care for the major mental disturbances of late life, identifying gaps in knowledge and research approaches to fill them. Emphasizes measurement issues as applied to the older adult.

After attending this course, the student will be able to: Classify the major mental disorders of late life and contrast the presentation of the major mental disorders of late life with presentation among younger persons; Describe the concepts of successful aging, wisdom, and quality of life as related to life transitions and mental status; Etiology: Name the chief risk and protective factors associated with each of the major mental disorders of late life and factors associated with optimal mental functioning; Methods: Describe methods used to evaluate mental health in late life in epidemiologic surveys and the methodologic issues involved in research on elderly; Identify gaps in knowledge of aging and mental health and the research approaches to fill these gaps; Intervention/Prevention: Differentiate the problems and opportunities inherent in the treatment settings in which older adults receive care for major mental disorders of late life; and, Apply concepts to the development and evaluation of preventive interventions for older adults. Several strategies will be used to reach the course objectives, including reading materials, interviewing older adults during the class, panel discussion of a problem of public health significance (driving), guest speakers, and an individual project. Optional activities can be arranged depending on the interest of the students. E-mail provides a means of continuing our discussion of readings and class activities beyond the classroom.