Beginning in the 1960s, a variety of interventions have been developed that aim to better meet the needs of older persons whose physical or mental functioning has declined yet their desire is to continue living in the community rather than relocate to a nursing home or other institution [ 1- 6].
On average, physical health function declined by 2.2 points from pre- to immediate post-deployment (t = 6.65, P <.0001), and mental health function declined by 4.0 points (t = 7.11, P <.0001).
Martha's memory and mental functioning are declining at an alarming rate, and she's received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's.
This is also notable in light of recent evidence showing that physical and mental function continue to decline over time since deployment [ 35- 38].
In conclusion, this study of family caregivers of older adults discharged from hospital ED for mainly acute problems found that caregivers' general health and physical functioning declined and mental health improved in the first 4-months following discharge.
Following an initial ED visit by older relatives, caregiver general health and physical functioning declined over time, while mental health status improved.
Across all caregivers and among spousal and adult child caregivers, general health and physical functioning declined over time while mental health improved.
Radiation treatment of brain tumors in the elderly is particularly challenging due to the declining mental function in this age group and the risk that radiotherapy will exacerbate this decline.
