Research team
Expertise
In this line of research we look for the determinants of psychological vulnerability/mental vitality in older adults (80+). In addition to a quantitative component, in which we combine questionnaires with blood samples and stool samples (microbiome), there is also a qualitative component in which we link various qualitative data (interviews, images) to actigraphy and stress measurement. The whole should enable us to develop tailor-made interventions for a target group that has received little or no research to date.
HOME-COSI-1 Holistic care plans for maintaining and improving mental-cognitive capacity in older adults through collaboration and innovation.
Abstract
This project aims to understand the factors contributing to the psychological vulnerability or vitality of older adults (aged 80 and above). It will investigate various influencing factors, including older adults' medication status concerning anticholinergic burden and prescribing cascades, as well as determinants of psychological vulnerability/mental vitality, particularly focusing on their living environment. Mental health problems affect up to 40% of older adults and often have a greater impact on their overall health status than chronic physical conditions. Common mental health issues include anxiety, depression, psychotic experiences (e.g., delirium), and harmful personality dynamics. Despite efforts, some mental health needs, particularly depression and anxiety, go unrecognized among older adults, leading to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. In Belgium, the predominant approach to mental health issues is biomedical, with pharmacotherapy as the primary treatment, resulting in high rates of psychoactive medication prescriptions among older adults. While pharmacotherapy has merits, it also poses risks, especially for older adults, including severe side effects on somatic and cognitive levels due to increased anticholinergic burden. Psychoactive medications often lead to adverse effects such as cognitive decline, confusion, and delirium, which can exacerbate existing mental health issues or trigger new ones, necessitating third-line services' intervention. Additionally, prescribing cascades, where medications are prescribed to counteract the side effects of other medications, are common among older adults and contribute to hospital admissions. Older adults with mental health vulnerabilities often have multiple vulnerabilities, including multimorbidity and polypharmacy, highlighting the need for personalized interventions that go beyond medication. Furthermore, the impact of living environments, including interior design and neighborhood characteristics, on the mental well-being of older adults with psychological vulnerabilities, is understudied. A tailored living environment that promotes autonomy and integrity is crucial for their well-being. Access to outdoor spaces and contact with nature are particularly important, as limited access predicts depressive symptoms. This project seeks to answer key research questions regarding the factors contributing to psychological vulnerability/vitality in older adults, the bi-directional relationship between living environment and mental health, the impact of reducing polypharmacy on mental health, and the development of a tailored intervention mix for psychological vulnerability/mental vitality.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Van den Broeck Kris
- Co-promoter: Annemans Margo
- Fellow: Vermeulen Tom
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Psychotic depression in older adults (60+) as prodrome/risk factor for cognitive deterioration/dementia.
Abstract
Psychotic depression in older adults is a severe and debilitating disorder. Up to half of older adults presenting with depressive symptoms also experience psychotic symptoms. Mostly, psychotic symptoms include delusions on financial, somatic or nihilistic themes. Particularly in late life, the depressive symptoms in psychotic depression are more severe than in non-psychotic depression, which is also the case when compared to psychotic depression in younger adults. Moreover, (depressed) older adults exhibit problems in different cognitive domains such as executive functioning, attention and memory. In younger depressed patients, cognitive problems ameliorate when they reach remission, but in older patients remission of depression often doesn't mean resolution of their cognitive problems. Although earlier research, inconsistently, showed that latelife depression may be a prodrome or risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia, little is known about the relation between late-life psychotic depression and incident cognitive decline. In this study, patients with a psychotic depressive episode at baseline are being monitored regarding their cognitive functioning at regular intervals during a period of 18 months, and compared to a control group of older adults with non-psychotic major depression. Both global and specific cognitive functioning (executive function, (working) memory, and attention) is being assessed.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Sabbe Bernard
- Fellow: Vermeulen Tom
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project