Neglect of Older People: Touching on Forensic and Pathophysiological Aspects

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Gerontology
• Public Health

Background:

• Elder neglect is a prevalent issue with severe health consequences.
• Distinguishing neglect from normal aging or disease symptoms is challenging for healthcare providers.
• This review focuses on identifying medical and psychiatric indicators of neglect in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate medical, psychiatric, and pathophysiological indicators of elder neglect.
• To identify overlaps between aging/disease symptoms and neglect markers.
• To increase awareness among healthcare professionals regarding elder neglect detection.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of medical and forensic databases was conducted.
• Search terms included 'neglect,' 'elder,' 'elderly,' 'forensic,' and 'homicide.'
• Eleven publications with 25 detailed case reports were qualitatively analyzed.

Main Results:

• Neglect is linked to adverse physical, psychological, and mental health outcomes.
• Red flags for neglect include malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene, and untreated medical conditions.
• Evidence of neglect can be obscured by age-related changes and existing diseases.

Conclusions:

• Detailed documentation and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial for addressing elder neglect.
• Enhanced awareness and identification of neglect indicators can improve patient outcomes.
• Collaboration between clinicians, law enforcement, and forensic services is vital to reduce neglect incidents.