Psychopharmacological approaches to the organic brain syndrome

Abstract

The aged—those over 60 yr of age—represent almost 10% of the population in Western industrialized countries. Estimates indicate that in another 50 yr this proportion may well swell to 20%. The number of Americans aged 75 and over increased almost 40% during the last decade, and these people now represent the fastest growing segment of the population. This increased longevity testifies to the spectacular progress medical science and practice have made in recent years, but it also demonstrates the gross deficiencies that still exist in the field of geriatrics. That is, although we have learned to extend the life span of many individuals, we do not yet know how to keep them in reasonably good health. More than half the elderly in America suffer from some chronic medical condition, and the health care costs of people over 65 are three times those of younger persons. 1