Aging and Mental Health: Recognizing Critical Behavioral Changes

Age brings natural changes, but when the behavior of the older generation shows persistent disturbances in the emotional sphere and cognitive functions, it becomes an important reason for deeper attention from specialists. First and foremost, professionals notice a gradual decline in memory, reduced intellectual abilities, and impaired work efficiency. These symptoms may be accompanied by shifts in personality—constant anxiety, depressive moods, or sharp emotional fluctuations. Such manifestations indicate endogenous processes, where characteristic changes in the psyche are the main criteria for diagnosis, even if somatic signs are absent. At the same time, noticeable deterioration in logical thinking, the emergence of psychotic symptoms, and hallucinations require comprehensive clinical examination. This approach carefully evaluates not only psychological symptoms but also the possible influence of somatic conditions, allowing for the timely determination of the need for intervention and support. This dynamic yet objective view helps clarify when changes in elderly behavior signal a serious pathology that merits professional attention and intervention.

Can certain behavioral traits in older adults be considered signs of mental disorder, and what criteria are used in such cases? The behavioral traits of older individuals do not always indicate a mental disorder; however, if persistent and systematic changes in the emotional sphere, cognitive functions, and personality traits are observed, this may point to a mental disorder. For example, when assessing an elderly person’s mental state, specialists consider factors such as a gradual decline in memory and intellectual abilities, reduced work efficiency, and changes in character and emotional states—persistent depression, anxiety, or pronounced mood swings.

As noted in one source, the diagnostic criteria involve identifying characteristic changes in the psyche: “the second group of mental illnesses—the so-called endogenous processes. In this group, there are no somatic signs specific to the diagnosis. The diagnosis is made primarily on the basis of characteristic changes in the psyche…” (source: link ). Such changes might include, for instance, “an increasing decline in work efficiency, fatigue, a progressive decrease in memory and intellectual abilities, and a sharp, progressive change in primary character traits…” (source: link ).

Additionally, specialists are mindful of specific psychological manifestations that are atypical for elderly individuals without pathology. Notably, recurrent psychotic episodes, hallucinations, and various disturbances in logical thought processes are significant indicators and can be classified as clinically important deviations.

Thus, if changes in an elderly person’s behavior are accompanied by persistent psychological and cognitive impairments, they may be considered signs of mental pathology. However, a conclusive diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical examination that assesses not only psychological symptoms but also their correlation with any somatic conditions.

Supporting citation(s):
"the second group of mental illnesses—the so-called endogenous processes. In this group, there are no somatic signs specific to the diagnosis. The diagnosis is made primarily on the basis of characteristic changes in the psyche…" (source: link )
"An increasing decline in work efficiency, fatigue, a progressive decrease in memory and intellectual abilities. A sharp and progressive change in the main character traits, unmotivated and independent of external conditions, such as increased excitability, coldness, malice, cruelty, anxiety, emotional instability." (source: link )