A study on the psychological and emotional aspects in elderly- a clinical study

Abstract

Memory disturbance in elderly is generally considered as a sign of cognitive decline. The aim of the study is to find out whether there is any association between cognitive functions- Memory, Intelligence, Attention and Concentration with emotional factors like anxiety and anger in elderly to plan behavioral intervention. In this clinic-based study, 16 cases aged above 60 years were referred for neuropsychological assessment for memory disturbance, difficulty in concentration, forgetfulness, etc. (male 10, female 6). They were assessed on Wechsler Memory Scale, Bhatia’s Battery of Performance test of Intelligence, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale and Anger Expression Scale. Personality factors like state anxiety, trait anxiety, overall anger expression, anger in and anger out were compared with the memory and IQ scores of individuals who had complaints of memory disturbances. Results showed that there is an association between emotional factors like state anxiety, trait anxiety and anger expression with memory disturbance. In almost all the patients, Memory Quotient was average and above, but these elderly people complaining of forgetfulness, memory disturbance, etc. All the patients have no memory disturbance on quantitative assessment but reported memory disturbances. These patients have high anxiety and emotional disturbances which seemed to have an impact on memory function, a subjective memory loss.