Geriatric Psychiatry

It can be hard to detect mental health problems in older adults. Some individuals fail to report their symptoms. Others talk only about physical ailments (like headaches or stomach aches) linked to emotional distress.

When changes in mood occur, older persons' caregivers often attribute sadness or irritability to recent life changes, illnesses, or losses. As a result, problems can be minimized or overlooked by professionals and family members. Dartmouth-Hitchcock's geriatric psychiatrists are working to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental illness in late life.

Our geriatric psychiatrists conduct comprehensive outpatient evaluations, and along with supervised trainees offer inpatient consultations and the memory disorders clinic. These services are designed to identify psychiatric illnesses across the spectrum, from mild to severe.

Although we do treat issues such as depression and other responses related to aging, we are especially focused on memory disorders of the elderly through the Dartmouth Memory Clinic. Dr. Robert Santulli, a past president of the Alzheimer's Association of New Hampshire and Vermont, is an expert in this area. We also run a monthly support group and lecture series on memory issues.

Alzheimer's Disease - An Interview with Robert Santulli, MD

Treatment options

Each person's needs are carefully evaluated in the development of a treatment plan. Treatment may include:

Regional Care

Beyond providing patient care, Dartmouth's board certified geriatric psychiatrists also provide consultation and treatment services at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement communities throughout the Upper Valley.

In these settings, our geriatric psychiatrists train others to spot signs of mental illness and take appropriate action. By helping older adults get effective treatment for mental illnesses, our psychiatrists seek to end needless suffering and improve overall health.

Treatment helps

Dartmouth-Hitchcock's geriatric specialists help individuals fulfill their potential. Even those experiencing the effects of stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease can achieve improvements in mood and behavior. Our hope is to help older adults find fulfillment in late life through improved mental health.

To schedule an appointment, call Dartmouth-Hitchcock Psychiatric Associates at (800) 556-6249.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Psychiatric Associates accepts a wide range of health plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid.

Our Main Office:
Physician's Offices- Level 5D
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, NH 03756
(603) 650-2887
(800) 556-6249
email: geriatric@dartmouth.edu

Dartmouth's geriatric psychiatrists also see patients at the offices of the following affiliates:

Geriatric Initiative

In 2005, there were 36.8 million people age 65 and older in the United States (12.4 percent of ht population), according to he Administration of Aging. By 2030, the number is expected to swell to 71 million and comprise 20 percent of our population.

At the same time, New Hampshire and Vermont are among the fastest aging states in the country. Future projections indicate a dramatic increase in the number of older adults who will need health services.

For the past two years, DHMC, the Hitchcock Clinic, Dartmouth Medical School and local providers have been working to develop a comprehensive plan to address increased needs due to this significant demographic shift. The goal is to increase Medical Center and regional capacity to care for older adults through the integration of innovative programs in senior health care, education, and research.

Preparing People and Programs to Care for the Elderly

Events

Plan to attend these upcoming lectures specifically for those with Alzheimer's and their families. These free educational sessions are sponsored by the NH Alzheimer's Association and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Healthy Aging Center.

Getting Started: What To Do When Your Family Member Has Memory Loss
Thursday, March 26, 2009
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Fuller Board Room, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
Pre-register by March 16, 2009

Alzheimer's Disease: Legal and Financial Issues & Answers
Thursday, April 23, 2009
5:30 PM - 7:00 PMFuller Board Room, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
Pre-register by April 13, 2009