Psychogeriatric Research Articles

An Online Curriculum for Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty Residents.

An Online Curriculum for Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty Residents.

The COVID-19 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) Online Trainee Curriculum: Program Evaluation and Future Directions

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic caused substantial disruptions in geriatric psychiatry education. In response, the AAGP created the “AAGP COVID-19 Online Trainee Curriculum” (Curriculum) a free online resource consisting of 33 recorded lectures. This study examined the uptake and impact of the Curriculum. MethodsAdministrative data established the number of unique users. Surveys assessed demographics, prior AAGP engagement, prior experiences working with older adults, and each lecture's impact on participant knowledge, enthusiasm and confidence related to the module's topic area. ResultsFrom May 2020 through April 2023, 860 individuals utilized the Curriculum. Of 251 survey respondents, 54% were general psychiatry residents (37%, n = 91) or medical students (16%, n = 41). Surveys from the two most-accessed lectures showed an increase in knowledge and confidence in clinical skills. ConclusionsThe Curriculum reached medical students and general psychiatry residents. Postpandemic, the Curriculum may serve as a valuable resource to enhance geriatric psychiatry education and knowledge.

Optimising Delirium Pathways in Geriatric Care: The Impact of Consultant Led Old Age Psychiatry Liaison Service

Abstract Background Delirium is a common and severe condition affecting up to 50% of older adults in hospitals. Delirium is compounded by the noisy and frightening environment of medical wards, often leading to prescription of antipsychotics. There is often no clear plan to monitor effects of these medications. Delirium is also associated with increased rates of institutionalised care on discharge, readmission rates and mortality. Methods This QIP examines the effectiveness of interventions for patients with delirium in COE wards, focusing on involvement of consultant led old-age psychiatry liaison service. This 2-cycle process included 106 patients in the 1st cycle (Feb 2020-Sep 202, nurse-led), and 64 patients in the 2nd cycle (Nov 2022-Aug 2023, consultant-led). Outcome measures the number of patients assessed, new antipsychotic prescription, new nursing home placement, follow-up plans, readmission rate, and 1year mortality. Results The QIP revealed an increase in the number of inpatients reviewed by the POA team (330%) and planned out-patient POA follow-up (320%). There was an increase in the number of antipsychotics prescribed on discharge (61.5%) and discharge to a new appropriate placement (27.6%). The overall readmissions rates had slightly decreased (2.5%), and readmissions with delirium had further reduced (4%) (not significant, p=0.66). The overall mortality rate increased by 4% since the introduction of these measures (not significant, p=0.63), however, this is small and at a level expected with this population group. Conclusion These results suggest that the new consultant led liaison team resulted in an increased use of their expert opinion on challenging patients with delirium. Significantly, more patients received psychiatric follow-up crucial for antipsychotic monitoring. There is a slight reduction in the readmission rates. Although, the increase in the mortality rate is insignificant, this warrants a closer look as antipsychotics are associated with cardiovascular diseases. A larger study over a longer period of time would provide more useful data.

Can cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers tell us something about financial capacity in Alzheimer's disease patients? Apreliminary study.

Although diagnostic markers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have become arapidly growing research field, they have not as yet been investigated in relation to capacities that are of interest to geriatric psychiatry and neuropsychology, such as financial capacity. The aim of this study was to assess whether CSF biomarkers can predict financial capacity in patients with adiagnosis of major neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participants were examined with anumber of neuropsychological tests, with an emphasis on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the Legal Capacity for Property Law Transactions Assessment Scale (LCPLTAS) and CSF tests. Amyloid βpeptide 1-42 (Aβ42), total tau, and phosphorylated tau were not found to predict financial capacity performance in AD, but MMSE shows astrong positive correlation with LCPLTAS. These preliminary findings indicate that complex cognitive functions, such as financial capacity, may not be directly linked to CSF concentrations of the abovementioned biomarkers. Further studies with larger numbers of patients will be required to assess the reproducibility of these findings and to determine whether this approach can assist not only in diagnosis but also in neuropsychological assessment.

Needs of family caregivers of hospitalised adults with dementia during care transitions: a qualitative study in a US Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital

ObjectiveTo identify the needs of caregivers of hospitalised adults with dementia in the hospital and during care transitions.DesignPragmatic qualitative inquiry with semi-structured interviews.SettingMichael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in...

Modified Dead–Alive Test for the assessment of semantic and episodic memory performance of older patients with neurocognitive disorder

The aim of this study is to provide a test that allows for evaluation of both semantic memory (SM) and episodic memory (EM). The study sought to examine psychometric characteristics of the Modified Dead–Alive Test (M-DAT) in patients with neurocognitive disorders and the healthy elderly (HE). The M-DAT consists of 45 names of celebrities who have died in the remote past (15), died in the last five years (15), and are still alive (15), and participants are asked whether they are alive or dead. The M-DAT performances of patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) major neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer’s Disease (MND-AD) (n = 69) and patients with minor neurocognitive disorder (MiND) (n = 27) who were admitted to a geriatric psychiatry clinic and healthy controls (HC) (n = 29) were compared. Age and level of education were taken as covariates, and an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed since the MND-AD group was older and less educated. The MND-AD group had lower performance in EM and SM scores of the M-DAT. M-DAT failed to differentiate between MiND and HE. Both subscale scores of the M-DAT were associated with other neuropsychological test performances as well as the level of education. The results suggest that M-DAT is a valid and reliable tool that examines both EM and SM performances. M-DAT is an alternative for the assessment of SM evaluated by verbal fluency or naming tests. Evaluating EM and SM together is an important advantage; however, M-DAT is influenced by education, and the items require updating.

Improving the wellbeing of older adults through community-based music and movement programs

Improving the wellbeing of older adults through community-based music and movement programs Find out here about a geriatric psychiatry program at the Music and Mental Health Research Clinic that improves the wellbeing of older adults. How do music and movement affect the mental wellbeing of older adults? The Music and Mental Health Research Clinic at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at the Royal will explore this question with a new geriatric psychiatry program that aims to design and carry on community-based music and movement (COMM) interventions with older adults (55+). The program will examine the benefits of these interventions on the psycho-social conditions of older adults with dementia or experiencing mental illness, including, among others, depression and anxiety. The learnings will support the integration of evidence-informed music interventions into older adults’ social and healthcare.

Considerations for Evaluating Older Adults with Cancer for Depression: A Qualitative Survey of Experts

ABSTRACT Objectives The objective of this study was to engage national experts in geriatric psychiatry and oncology in qualitative interviews to develop consensus regarding how older adult cancer survivors (OACS) experience depressive symptoms, and how best to assess OACs for depression. Methods Expert clinicians in geriatric oncology disciplines were interviewed about approaches to assessing depression in OACs. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Thematic Content Analysis was utilized to identify key themes. Results Experts (N = 8) were board certified geriatric psychiatrists and oncologists with specialization in geriatric medicine. Two conceptual domains were identified: Key indicators of depression in OACs (e.g. anhedonia; loss of meaning and purpose; loneliness and social withdrawal) and unique considerations for depression assessment in OACs (e.g. alternative phrasing to “depression,” disentangling mood and cancer or treatment-related side effects). Conclusions The approaches identified tended to depart from traditional diagnostic criteria for depression. Clinical implications Results provide additional insight into the limitations of existing depression measures for OACs. The themes and practices identified in the present study suggest that a revised measure of depression for OACs may be useful. Future research will continue to shed light on best practices for depression assessment in OACs.

Health inequities in health and social care in geriatric psychiatry: from healthy aging to subjective cognitive decline and dementia

Health inequities in health and social care in geriatric psychiatry: from healthy aging to subjective cognitive decline and dementia

Exosome-associated mitochondrial DNA in late-life depression: Implications for cognitive decline in older adults

BackgroundDisrupted cellular communication, inflammatory responses and mitochondrial dysfunction are consistently observed in late-life depression (LLD). Exosomes (EXs) mediate cellular communication by transporting molecules, including mitochondrial DNA (EX-mtDNA), playing critical role in immunoregulation alongside tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Changes in EX-mtDNA are indicators of impaired mitochondrial function and might increase vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. Our study examined EX-mtDNA levels and integrity, exploring their associations with levels of TNF receptors I and II (TNFRI and TNFRII), and clinical outcomes in LLD. MethodsNinety older adults (50 LLD and 40 controls (HC)) participated in the study. Blood was collected and exosomes were isolated using size-exclusion chromatography. DNA was extracted and EX-mtDNA levels and deletion were assessed using qPCR. Plasma TNFRI and TNFRII levels were quantified by multiplex immunoassay. Correlation analysis explored relationships between EX-mtDNA, clinical outcomes, and inflammatory markers. ResultsAlthough no differences were observed in EX-mtDNA levels between groups, elevated levels correlated with poorer cognitive performance (r = −0.328, p = 0.002) and increased TNFRII levels (r = 0.367, p = 0.004). LLD exhibited higher deletion rates (F(83,1) = 4.402, p = 0.039), with a trend remaining after adjusting for covariates (p = 0.084). Deletion correlated with poorer cognitive performance (r = −0.335, p = 0.002). No other associations were found. LimitationCross-sectional study with a small number of participants from a specialized geriatric psychiatry treatment center. ConclusionOur findings suggest that EX-mtDNA holds promise as an indicator of cognitive outcomes in LLD. Additional research is needed to further comprehend the role of EX-mtDNA levels/integrity in LLD, paving the way for its clinical application in the future.

Subspecialty Selection and Fellowship Training Satisfaction among American and Canadian Geriatric Psychiatry Fellows.

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship Subspecialty survey aimed to identify key motivating factors associated with choosing geriatric psychiatry as a career, and to assess training satisfaction among geriatric psychiatry fellows/residents in Canada and the United States. American and Canadian geriatric psychiatry program directors were asked to distribute an online survey to their fellows. Descriptive statistics for quantitative items and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to assess for differences by country of training. Thirty-one geriatric psychiatry fellows completed the survey. The most important motivating factors for pursuing a career in geriatric psychiatry were found to be "working with patients and families", "working in an interdisciplinary environment", and "intellectual stimulation". Fellows' overall training satisfaction was high, with American fellows more satisfied than Canadian residents (p = .047) on average, especially with regard to biomedical aspects of training (p = .01).

Chronicling the Transition to Competency-Based Medical Education in a Small Subspeciality Program.

Background As medical education programs transition to competency-based medical education (CBME), experiences transitioning in the context of small subspecialty programs remain unknown, yet they are needed for effective implementation and continual improvements. Objective To examine faculty and resident experiences transitioning to CBME in a small subspeciality program. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive approach and constructivist lens, faculty and residents in McMaster University's geriatric psychiatry subspecialty program were interviewed about their transition experiences between November 2021 and February 2022, after the program's soft launch of CBME in 2020. Interviews were transcribed and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Reflexive memo writing and investigator and data triangulation strategies were employed to ensure rigor and trustworthiness of the data. Results Ten of the 17 faculty members (59%) and 3 residents (100%) participated. Six themes were developed: (1) Both faculty and residents see themselves as somewhat knowledgeable about CBME, but sources of knowledge vary; (2) More frequent feedback is beneficial; (3) Aspects of CBME that are challenging for residents are beneficial for faculty; (4) Competence committees are perceived positively despite most participants' limited firsthand experience with them; (5) Small program size is both a barrier and facilitator to providing and receiving feedback; and (6) Suggestions for improvement are centered on helping manage faculty and resident workload imposed by CBME. Conclusions Incongruent expectations surrounding entrustable professional activity management were highlighted as an area requiring support. Collegial relationships among faculty and residents made it difficult for faculty to provide constructive feedback but improved residents' perceptions of the feedback.

Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., Dr.Med.Sc., takes office as APA president

Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., Dr.Med.Sc., a longtime advocate for mental health, a medical educator and clinician‐researcher, began his term as president of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) at the conclusion of the organization's 2024 Annual Meeting in New York City. Viswanathan currently serves as interim chair of psychiatry at the State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, where he also directs the Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry Service and its Fellowship Program. He is board‐certified in psychiatry, internal medicine, consultation‐liaison psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry. One of his research priorities for 2024–25 is to focus on lifestyle interventions for positive mental and physical health through a holistic approach to wellness including exercise, nutrition, sleep, social connectedness, stress reduction and avoidance of risky behaviors. They will be promoted in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and neural stimulation.

“Pre-Discharge Syndrome” in Gerontopsychiatric Practice: Clinical Manifestations and Risk Factors

Background: hospitalization of elderly patients is associated with social and psychological maladaptation, reduced levels of daily functioning, and development of hospitalism. Patients whose status suddenly worsened immediately prior to discharge from psychiatric hospital make up a group that is difficult for diagnostics and treatment and not sufficiently studied. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in patients’ status before planned discharge from hospital to identify clinical patterns of deterioration and factors associated with this adverse event. Patients and methods: study participants were selected from 181 consecutive patients of the Geriatric Psychiatry Department of V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology. The main study methods were history-taking and psychological assessment. Results: predischarge deterioration was observed in 81 patients (44.8%) and was represented by exacerbation of mental disorder in 60 cases (33.2%), development of new symptoms in 12 patients (6.6%), or decompensation of somatic disease in 9 cases (5.0%). The history of patients with predischarge worsening was characterized by longer prior hospitalizations. These patients were more heavily pretreated, and had higher rates of hospitalism and non-compliance. For patients with worsening or development of new symptoms of mental disorder median duration of mental disease was respectively 84 and 204 months. They were more prone to violation of compliance, of the prescribed treatment regime and doses. Somatic decompensation occurred in patients with median duration of mental disorder 36 months and was associated with latent refusal to take medicines. Conclusions: an increased risk of predischarge deterioration in geropsychiatric patients with a history of prolonged hospitalizations needs earlier rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and psychological support when planning hospital discharge.

Research status and global trends of late-life depression from 2004 to 2023: bibliometric analysis.

Global research hotspots and future research trends in the neurobiological mechanisms of late-life depression (LLD) as well as its diagnosis and treatment are not yet clear. This study profiled the current state of global research on LLD and predicted future research trends in the field. Literature with the subject term LLD was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, and CiteSpace software was used to perform econometric and co-occurrence analyses. The results were visualized using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and other software packages. In total, 10,570 publications were included in the analysis. Publications on LLD have shown an increasing trend since 2004. The United States and the University of California had the highest number of publications, followed consecutively by China and England, making these countries and institutions the most influential in the field. Reynolds, Charles F. was the author with the most publications. The International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry was the journal with the most articles and citations. According to the co-occurrence analysis and keyword/citation burst analysis, cognitive impairment, brain network dysfunction, vascular disease, and treatment of LLD were research hotspots. Late-life depression has attracted increasing attention from researchers, with the number of publications increasing annually. However, many questions remain unaddressed in this field, such as the relationship between LLD and cognitive impairment and dementia, or the impact of vascular factors and brain network dysfunction on LLD. Additionally, the treatment of patients with LLD is currently a clinical challenge. The results of this study will help researchers find suitable research partners and journals, as well as predict future hotspots.

Practical use of DAT SPECT imaging in diagnosing dementia with Lewy bodies: a US perspective of current guidelines and future directions.

Diagnosing Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) remains a challenge in clinical practice. The use of 123I-ioflupane (DaTscan™) SPECT imaging, which detects reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) uptake-a key biomarker in DLB diagnosis-could improve diagnostic accuracy. However, DAT imaging is underutilized despite its potential, contributing to delays and suboptimal patient management. This review evaluates DLB diagnostic practices and challenges faced within the U.S. by synthesizing information from current literature, consensus guidelines, expert opinions, and recent updates on DaTscan FDA filings. It contrasts DAT SPECT with alternative biomarkers, provides recommendations for when DAT SPECT imaging may be indicated and discusses the potential of emerging biomarkers in enhancing diagnostic approaches. The radiopharmaceutical 123I-ioflupane for SPECT imaging was initially approved in Europe (2000) and later in the US (2011) for Parkinsonism/Essential Tremor. Its application was extended in 2022 to include the diagnosis of DLB. DaTscan's diagnostic efficacy for DLB, with its sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values, confirms its clinical utility. However, US implementation faces challenges such as insurance barriers, costs, access issues, and regional availability disparities. 123I-ioflupane SPECT Imaging is indicated for DLB diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease, particularly in uncertain cases. Addressing diagnostic obstacles and enhancing physician-patient education could improve and expedite DLB diagnosis. Collaborative efforts among neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists, psychologists, and memory clinic staff are key to increasing diagnostic accuracy and care in DLB management.

A scientometric analysis and visualisation of elderly suicide research from 1951 to 2022.

There are still many gaps in both national and international literature on elderly suicide. This study aimed to identify the most influential journals in elderly suicide, the countries and authors that contribute the most to the field, and the trends in the field. Studies published on elderly suicide between 1951 and 2022 were retrieved utilising the Web of Science Core Collection. Co-authorship analysis of countries and authors, as well as co-occurrence analysis of keywords, were conducted using VOSviewer 1.6.18. There were 2864 articles retrieved, including 95 countries, 889 academic journals, 9162 authors and 4160 keywords. The number of publications in this field has significantly increased after the 2000s, and the United States is the most productive country (996). The most prolific author is Yeates Conwell, while the journal with the highest number of publications in this field is the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Other than 'suicide' and 'elderly', the most trending keywords are 'depression', 'primary care', 'treatment', 'antidepressant', 'loneliness', 'quality of life' and 'COVID-19'. There has been an increase in both the thematic diversity and quantity of studies on elderly suicide over time. However, these publications predominantly originate from socioeconomically affluent countries with relatively low suicide rates. While the increasing numbers of publications from developing countries in recent years are promising, there is a greater need for publications from countries with lower socioeconomic status for the prevention or intervention of elderly suicides.

A thematic analysis of the introduction of smart-hub technology to a rural Psychiatry of Old Age Service during Covid-19 lockdowns

IntroductionThe use of smart technology in supporting older adults is a growing field of research. However, there is little qualitative research on the experiences of patients utilizing this technology, particularly those attending psychiatry services.ObjectivesTo explore the experiences of staff and patients utilizing smart-hubs implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide remote audio/visual communication and smart AI personal assistant technology for the management of patients in a rural Psychiatry of Old Age service.MethodsSmart hubs were installed in patient homes and in the Psychiatry of Old Age base during the Covid-19 pandemic when lockdown restrictions limited in-person service provision. Patients and staff utilized the smart hubs for its assistive technology and to engage with each other. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted of 10 staff and 15 patients at 6-12 months following the introduction of the smart hubs and thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes.ResultsThree themes were generated from the thematic analysis: 1) Openness to SMART hub technology, 2) Getting set-up and 3) Keeping SMART. The majority of participants did not have much experience using smart technology prior to the intervention. However, many participants reported that they would be comfortable using technology. The Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the rapid adoption of this intervention within the service with mixed views regarding the smart hub prior to implementation. The role of key individuals such as staff and family was highlighted in supporting older persons with setting-up the smart hub. Technical needs included the need for a strong internet connection and technical limitations were driven by privacy, cost and regional considerations. Many patients were able to utilize the smart hub independently to access interests, therapeutic activities and as a memory aid. The smart hub offered a novel way to connect to services and families and was also seen as a companion by some patients and staff to help address loneliness and isolation. The majority of participants found the use of smart hubs acceptable and were willing to utilize the smart hub in the future as an adjunct to face to face psychiatric interventions. However, suggestions for future use included the need for additional training as users felt that there was more they could do with the smart hub, continued support to manage any challenges and improved information leaflets to better engage users.ConclusionsSmart hub technology offers an alternate means of providing remote and inclusive psychiatric care to older patients unable to access services in person and at risk of deterioration without intervention in the community.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Prevalence of Dementia, associated Co-morbidities, and Multidisciplinary Team Involvement in a Psychiatry of Old Age Service

IntroductionDementia is a common diagnosis in service users seen by Psychiatry of Old Age (POA) Services. This clinical audit was conducted prior to the services engagement with a focus group, which aimed to explore the implementation of the “Appropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication for non-cognitive symptoms in people with dementia” (National Clinical Guideline No. 21) and identify additional resource requirements to be submitted for consideration by the HSE’s estimate process for 2023.ObjectivesIts aims were to evaluate:•The prevalence of service users with a dementia diagnosis among those seen by the POA Service, from January 2018-June 2022•The prevalence of co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses among those with a dementia diagnosis.•The resources needed to manage currently active cases with a diagnosis of dementia, by evaluating MDT member involvement.MethodsData is routinely collected on service users treated by the POA service for service evaluation, including service users’ diagnoses, and current MDT member involvement. All service users seen by the POA service between Jan 2018 – June 2022 were included. The total number of service users, and service users with dementia and mild Cognitive impairment were counted, in order to evaluate the prevalence of dementia. We then evaluated the proportion of those with dementia who had co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses. We then looked at currently active cases with dementia, and evaluated how many MDT members were involved in their ongoing care.Results392 service users were treated by the service from Jan 2018-June 2022. Of these 104 cases were still active with the service. 152 (39%) of these service users had a diagnosis of dementia. Of those with dementia, 45% (68, n=152) also had another psychiatric co-morbidity. Psychosis was the most common psychiatric co-morbidity, seen in 22% of those with dementia (33, n=152). 12% of active service users with a dementia diagnosis were only seen in outpatients clinics only, 60% were seeing one MDT member, 28% were seeing multiple MDT members (n=25).ConclusionsDementia was the most common diagnosis among service users seen by the POA service. 45% of service users with dementia being seen by the POA service also had another psychiatric co-morbidity. Such patients require significant MDT input.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Integration of Geriatric Psychiatry and Geriatrics: Enhancing Mental Health Assessment in the Elderly

IntroductionThe ageing population presents complex clinical challenges, particularly in the realm of mental health among the elderly. The intersection of geriatric psychiatry and geriatrics plays a critical role in providing a holistic and comprehensive approach to addressing psychiatric issues in older adults. This abstract explores the integration of these two disciplines and their significance in elderly mental health care.ObjectivesThis study aims to underscore the benefits of collaboration between geriatric psychiatry and geriatrics while highlighting areas of intersection. These areas include the assessment of medical and psychiatric comorbidities, the management of neuropsychiatric disorders, and the promotion of healthy ageing, both physically and mentally.MethodsWe comprehensively reviewed the literature, encompassing research studies, case reports, clinical guidelines, and reports published in the last 10 years. The research was conducted on medical databases, including PubMed, Medline, and specialized sources in gerontology.Results Effective integration between geriatric psychiatry and geriatrics provides a more comprehensive and patient-centred approach to addressing the mental health needs of the elderly. This includes enhanced assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions commonly found in older adults, such as cognitive disorders (including dementia and mild cognitive impairment), mood disorders (including depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. Additionally, the collaboration ensures a better understanding of the complex interplay between physical and mental health in the ageing population. The integration approach also encompasses the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with various medical conditions common in older adults, such as delirium and behavioural disturbances in dementia. This coordinated care extends to the judicious use of psychotropic medications, considering the unique pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the elderly population, with a focus on minimizing adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. Furthermore, promoting emotional well-being and preventing mental illnesses emerge as critical areas of collaboration between these disciplines. Strategies for achieving this goal include psychoeducation, lifestyle interventions, and fostering a supportive environment for the elderly.Conclusions In summary, the collaboration between geriatric psychiatry and geriatrics is crucial for addressing the complex mental health needs of the elderly, providing patient-centred care, and optimizing resources. This integrated approach is essential in ensuring the well-being of older adults, emphasizing a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to mental health issues in this population.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared