Mental Health Problems Related to Memory Loss among Senior Citizens

Abstract

Memory refers to a special ability of our mind to conserve or retain what has been previously experienced or acquired through hearing and then at some later stage enable us to make use of it by its reproduction or revival. Memory begins to deteriorate with ageing due to destruction of body tissues and degeneration of brain cells and is referred to as memory loss. Memory loss gives rise to many mental health problems which affects the day-to-day life activities of the senior citizens. The study aimed to explore the mental health problems related to memory loss among senior citizens. Ninety senior citizens were selected by purposive sampling technique. The data was collected from the selected senior citizens by using memory loss rating scale and questionnaire on mental health problems. The results of the study revealed that 25.6% of senior citizens had mild memory loss and 11.1% had moderate memory loss. 65.2% behaviour changes, 52.3% personality changes, 71.2% denial, 39.4% confusion, 61.4% anxiety, 18.2% suicidal tendencies, 12% problems with abstract thinking and 37.9% decreased judgement were found among 33 senior citizens with memory loss. It was concluded that majority of senior citizens who had memory loss had mental health problems also including behaviour changes, personality changes, denial, confusion, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, problem with abstract thinking and decreased judgment.