While it is typical of people with PTSD to experience horrible symptoms that impair day to day life, it doesn't only stop at that. People with PTSD are more likely to be susceptible to other disorders and issues in later life. In a recent study conducted by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, it has been found that people with PTSD caused by war are more likely to develop dementia in their old age. Dementia is a syndrome related to loss of brain function which effects memory, language, and problem solving and is often related to aging and the elderly. The studies conducted by Dr. Mark Kunik included 10,481 veterans over the age of sixty five. Though the research, it was found that 7.2% of the patients with PTSD had dementia while only 4.5% of patients without PTSD developed dementia. The results are depressing but also did not shock me. Both illnesses deal with mental acuity and psychological well being. The study is new and needs more development to fully understand the relationship between the two.
Like Dementia, PTSD is often late onset and unfortunately can increase with age. As many of these symptoms deal with insecurities or fears with health decline in later age, a veteran may feel as if they are weakened and vulnerable in war. Also being retired leaves the elderly with more time to think about past traumas. Many veterans with PTSD abuse substances such as drugs or alcohol, but once they stop in later life it can sometimes bring back the stresses of PTSD. As an elder's friends and loved ones around him or her begin to die it may also trigger feelings of loss that one may have had in combat. All these stresses and reversions can be very taxing on the elderly and can cause serious depression and decline in quality of life.
For both dementia and PTSD it is recommended that one stays fit and exercises on a regular basis. This can be very difficult for the elderly as many are not physically well enough. However, simple activities that can make a person feel strong and meaningful could be very beneficial. Staying active physically, socially, and mentally is very important for both disorders and could really help keep cognition and happiness in later life.
sources:
Ruskin, Paul E & Talbot, John A. Aging and Posttraumatic Stress disorder. Washington DC. American Psychiatric Press,Inc. 1996.
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