A comparison between demographic and clinical characteristics of younger and older elderly new referrals to an out-patient psychogeriatric service

We compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of 37 subjects und er and 41 subjects over 75 years of age who were consecutive new referrals to an out-patient psychogeriatric service in order to examine if an age-rel ated dichotomy emerges in this population. Even though the groups were simi lar in most demographic (gender, education, years in Israel, family status) and some clinical aspects (number of physical diagnoses, medications taken ) they differed significantly in some other clinical variables. "Functional " disorders, independence in performing household activities and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and more recommendations for ambulatory follow-up we re more prominent in the younger group. This profile has much in common wit h elderly patients newly referred to the general mental health services. Th e older group had more "organic" disorders, significant need For assistance in household activities and ADL. and more recommendations for follow-up in day-care centers, a profile more characteristic of patients who are treate d in memory/dementia clinics. Thus, Rom a services organizational point of view, it is possible to subdivide out-patient elderly individuals with cogn itive and emotional disturbances into separate groups. each with its own ch aracteristics and needs.