The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

Management of Apathy in Parkinson's Disease: A Scoping Review
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Classically, Parkinson's Disease is thought of as a movement disorder, but both motor and non-motor symptoms contribute significantly to the disease burden. Among the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, apathy is a common yet disabling symptom that contributes both to quality of life issues in patients as well as caregivers. Apathy often complicates major depressive episodes that occur in patients with Parkinson's Disease, though it often occurs as an isolated symptom in the disease. (Source: The...
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Vishnu Tiwari, Feras Alkharboush Tags: Poster # EI37 Source Type: research

Reimagining Management of Behavioral Disturbances in Patients with End-Stage Parkinson's Disease in Outpatient Community Hospice Settings
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest growing cause of death and disability among neurologic disorders. As the global population ages and individuals with neurodegenerative disorders survive longer, demand for neurologic care and other healthcare resources will continue to rise. Parkinson's disease and related disorders (PDRD) are the second most common neurodegenerative disease and a leading cause of death. However, patients with PDRD receive less end-of-life care (hospice) than other illnesses, including other neurologic illnesses. (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Andy Jan, Shravan Morisetty, Laurie Boore-Clor Tags: Poster # EI38 Source Type: research

Navigating the Platelet Puzzle: Clozapine Treatment in Parkinson's Disease - The Dilemma of Continuation
Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, strongly affecting the well-being of patients and caregivers. Neuropsychiatric symptoms of Parkinson's disease include psychosis, dementia, depression, anxiety, REM sleep behavior disorder, and impulse control disorders. In patients with Parkinson's disease with distressing psychosis, pimavanserin, quetiapine, and clozapine can be used. Clozapine has fewer motor effects compared with other antipsychotic agents, though there are many side effects to consider. (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Arielle Silbersweig, Cristina M. Pritchett, Claudio S. Bondulich, Adriana P. Hermida Tags: Poster # EI39 Source Type: research

ECT in Catatonia from a Palliative Perspective: A Case Series
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well established treatment for catatonia. Although studies are limited, ECT is safe and effective in geriatric patients even those with serious medical comorbidities. Untreated or refractory catatonia can lead to medical complications including malnutrition, venous thromboembolism, aspiration pneumonia and skin breakdown. Mortality from catatonia is typically mentioned in the context of malignant catatonia; however, non-malignant catatonia can also be fatal. The discussion of ECT from a palliative perspective is limited in the literature thus far. (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Samantha Keller, Rosemary Szparagowski Tags: Poster # EI40 Source Type: research

Periodic Catatonia: An Atypical Presentation of a Common Diagnosis among Older Adults
Catatonia is a highly prevalent neuropsychiatric syndrome in the inpatient older adult population. It presents with significant psychomotor disturbances, ranging from motor immobility to excessive motor activity. The criteria for catatonia requires an individual to display 3 of 12 distinct features: waxy flexibility, stupor, catalepsy, agitation, mutism, negativism, posturing, stereotypies, mannerisms, grimacing, echolalia, and echopraxia. Symptoms of catatonia may overlap with other common conditions in older adults and as a result may lead to underdiagnosis. (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Jowan Watson, Talya Shahal Tags: Poster # EI41 Source Type: research

Recognizing Aphasia Secondary to Left Temporal Lobe Seizure: A Case Report
Altered mental status is a common occurrence in the hospital and may be related to several conditions. One manifestation of altered mental status is aphasia, which is usually associated with ischemic strokes affecting the middle cerebral artery. However, there are cases in the literature that report aphasia secondary to seizure, with the proposed mechanism of seizure activity occurring in the dominant temporal lobe. To distinguish between ischemic stroke and seizures as the root cause of aphasia, we must synthesize a patient's medical history, any localizing neurological symptoms, imaging and specific EEG patterns as key i...
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Amanda Timek, Harumi Harakawa, Mitchell Nobler Tags: Poster # EI42 Source Type: research

Implementing STAR-VA in Acute Care: A Case Study
People living with dementia almost universally experience behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia at some point throughout the course of their illness. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are a result of complex interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental interactions —such symptoms include depression, aggression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability, hallucinations, delusions, and agitation. While antipsychotics are often administered to address BPSD, behavioral modifications and nonpharmacological interventions are preferred first-line treatments. (Source: The American Journal of...
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Seneca Correa, Julia T. Boyle, Hannah Bashian, Caroline Madrigal, Kelly O'Malley Tags: Poster # EI43 Source Type: research

"Ooh...He's Got Double Vision:" Lithium-Induced Ocular Myasthenia Gravis in An Older Adult Male
Lithium is widely used in the geriatric patient population for the maintenance of bipolar disorder as a relatively safe option that is neuroprotective. However, it is still important to obtain a thorough history of patients' medical conditions and be aware of and educate patients on side effects both generally and specific to patients' comorbidities. Even when lithium is within therapeutic range on labs, the overall incidence of side effects on the nervous system ranges from 35% to 50%. Neurologic effects include a postural tremor and cognitive effects (dysphoria, slowed reaction times, impaired memory). (Source: The Ameri...
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Zobia Chunara, Erica Garcia-Pittman Tags: Poster # EI44 Source Type: research

COVID-19 or Clozapine? A Case of Likely Clozapine-Induced Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Clozapine has known utility for treatment of psychosis in patients with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease. Clozapine's benefits, including improvement in psychotic symptoms and reduced risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, are counterbalanced by its potentially life-threatening side effects, including agranulocytosis, myocarditis, and seizures. The risk of adverse effects may be elevated in older adults, at least in part due to increased clozapine levels in the setting of reduced albumin and possible reduced activity of the CYP1A2 and 3A4 enzymes. (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Shayna Ratner, Silvia Sloan, Katharine Brewster Tags: Poster # EI45 Source Type: research

Schizophrenia with Capgras vs Jablou …Moun Fou..: Relevance Of Idioms Of Distress In Treatment of Mental Illness
This case report details the presentation of a 62-year-old Haitian female residing in a private residence with her son and separated son's father, with a history of paranoid schizophrenia and a psychiatric diagnosis of psychosis attributed to dysregulation due to noncompliance with medication. Emergency Medical Services initially transported the patient to the emergency room for bizarre behavior and paranoia noted by the son. Subsequently, she was referred to Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) and later admitted to the inpatient unit for stabilization and safety. (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Sabrina Heyl, Raj Addepalli, Pronoy Roy Tags: Poster # EI46 Source Type: research

Navigating the Complexity of Psychotic Symptoms in Older Adults: A Case Study
This case study examines a 76-year-old female patient with problematic internet use, initially presenting with delusions and paranoia related to social media "followers." With the progression of the patient's condition, symptoms evolved to include auditory, visual, and tactile hallucinations. This case study highlights the complexities of diagnosing and managing new onset psychotic symptoms in older adults. (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Thea Anderson, Neha Jain Tags: Poster # EI47 Source Type: research

Outside the Lines: A Case Report Highlighting the Difficulties Faced Treating a Female Geriatric Patient with Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is the most common eating disorder diagnosed amongst the geriatric population. Despite this, prior diagnostic criteria for AN excluded this demographic. In the DSM- III, a diagnosis of AN could only be made in individuals under 30 years. This led to a focus on the treatment of young females, despite evidence that individuals may suffer from re-emergence of symptoms or late onset eating disorders. The most recent guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association specifically address treatment “for adolescent and young adults” but do not include recommendations for geriatric patients. (Source: Th...
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Jai McQuilla, Margaret Cinderella, Jane Steiner Tags: Poster # EI48 Source Type: research

Criminality in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia: A Case Report
Criminal behaviors can be an early presenting symptom of behavioral variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD). These behaviors can lead to significant negative outcomes for patients and families, including legal consequences, safety concerns, financial loss, strained relationships, legal complexity, and reduced quality of life. (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Maureen Shelton, Maria Lapid Tags: Poster # EI49 Source Type: research

Safeguarding Seniors: Navigating the Intersection of Mental Health and Legal Protections for Geriatric Patients
The complex landscape of Adult Protective Services (APS) involves intricate decision-making processes, particularly in the outpatient setting, where identifying and responding to potential cases of abuse poses unique challenges. The mission of APS is to safeguard older adults and vulnerable individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Geriatric psychiatrists are in a critical role of identifying abuse. In analysis of APS cases of maltreatment of older adult dementia has been estimated to effect 62% of patients and Major Depressive Disorder in 37%1. (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Robert Esterquest, Erica Garcia Pittman Tags: Poster # EI50 Source Type: research

Public Awareness Campaigns on Suicide Prevention Appear to be Excluding Older Adults
Older adults have the highest rates of suicide of any age group, with people aged 85 and older having the highest rates and those aged 75-84 having the second highest. These suicide attempts tend to be fatal, as older adults tend to plan more carefully and select more lethal means. Data have also suggested that most older adults who die by suicide do not have a mental health condition, making late-life suicide challenging to predict and prevent, particularly as our society ages. Despite the increased risk, significantly less attention is dedicated to suicide prevention in older adults than in younger populations. (Source: ...
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 18, 2024 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Hailey Cray, Weronika Pasciak, Yasmeen Wahid, Cameron Truman-Wyss, Ipsit Vahia Tags: Poster # EI51 Source Type: research