Self-neglect of the elderly. An overview

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Self-neglect is defined as the inability to perform essential self-care tasks, posing risks to health and safety in the elderly.
• The prevalence of self-neglect in community-based aged populations remains unknown.
• Cognitive impairment is a primary risk factor, alongside psychiatric conditions, substance abuse, and reduced physical or social support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics, predisposing factors, and consequences of self-neglect in the aged population.
• To highlight the need for comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary support for individuals with self-neglect.
• To identify gaps in scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of early interventions for self-neglect.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on self-neglect in older adults.
• Analysis of predisposing factors, including cognitive, psychiatric, physical, social, and socioeconomic elements.
• Examination of the consequences, such as increased mortality, malnutrition, frailty, and healthcare utilization.

Main Results:

• Self-neglect is associated with significant negative health outcomes, including premature death, malnutrition, and increased risk of falls and fractures.
• Untreated medical issues lead to emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
• Neglect of domestic and financial responsibilities severely impacts living environments.

Conclusions:

• Diagnosis and management of self-neglect necessitate thorough medical and psychosocial evaluations.
• Multidisciplinary support is crucial, potentially requiring long-term care.
• Further controlled studies are needed to establish the effectiveness of early diagnosis and tailored interventions in improving outcomes for self-neglect.