Age@Minds Fund

Dr. Sjacko Sobczak
Dr. Sjacko Sobczak is a researcher at Maastricht University and a geriatric psychiatrist at Mondriaan Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg (GGZ). She combines this position with her professorship at the Hogeschool Rotterdam where she strives to gain more insight into the psychological health of people with dementia in the field of study ‘Dementia, neuropsychiatric symptoms and behaviour’.

‘‘When I started working in the nursing home as a medical student, I discovered that there were people who were seen as ‘problematic’ or ‘difficult’, possibly because of aggression or because they constantly called out for help. Now, as a geriatric psychiatrist, I can make a real difference to them.”

Catching up
In the Netherlands, approximately 20% of the population is over the age of 65. This percentage will only increase in the coming years. It is estimated that by 2040, one third of the elderly will be over the age of 80. Life expectancy has increased, but so has the number of disorders that affect us as we grow older. With this, the demand for the care of elderly people with mental health issues will increase, of course, and the healthcare sector will be faced with an enormous challenge.

Psychological problems in the elderly are usually not isolated, but are often accompanied by (multiple) physical illnesses, extensive use of medication, dependence on care, deterioration in brain function (as in dementia), phase of life problems and problems finding meaningfulness in life. It has long been thought that the treatment of mental health problems in the elderly was not worthwhile. Fortunately, there is growing evidence that treating these conditions in the elderly can be effective, also in those who suffer from dementia. However, there is still some catching up to do!

Recognition of mental disorders
In the coming years, Sjacko’s research team will mainly focus on the recognition of psychological disorders – which are especially difficult to recognize in people with dementia, such as PTSD. They will explore questions such as: How do traumatic life events affect the behaviour of people with dementia? Which treatments help with PTSD? What dilemmas are faced by the healthcare sector? Ultimately, Sjacko aims to improve care for elderly people and dementia sufferers who have mental health issues. This is so that they, too, can receive care based on proven treatment recommendations.

Innovative treatment methods
That is why, along with other experts in the field, she is developing an innovative instrument, called the TRAuma and DEmentia (TRADE) interview, which can be used to diagnose PTSD in people with dementia. Subsequently, the effects of trauma-focused treatment (Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing; EMDR) in people with dementia are investigated. Thanks to Mondriaan’s collaboration with its chain partners in long-term care, the accumulated expertise is also directly implemented and safeguarded in the care sector.

Staying mentally healthy
Prevention is an increasingly important part of good care. The aim is to stay healthy as long as possible. Lifestyle factors such as exercise, medication use, nutrition and social activities contribute to resilience in the elderly. Taking a critical look at medication use and reducing it if necessary may be required on a regular basis. Because frequent use of medication is common among older people with mental disorders and evidence that these drugs are really effective may be lacking.

Advisory committee
A committee of experts associated with this fund will assess the expenditures from the Age@Minds Fund for the proposed scientific research. The members of the committee are Kelly Regterschot (Chair; former member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands), Sylvia Heijnen (Healthcare Director for the elderly, Mondriaan), Roger Ruijters (Chairman of the Board, Envida) and Prof. Arjan Blokland (UM).

Would you like to support this fund with a donation?
Would you like to support the Age@Minds Fund, part of the University Fund Limburg (with ANBI status), in its mission? You can do so by clicking on the donate button below or by transferring your contribution to the bank account of the Universiteitsfonds Limburg/SWOL IBAN: NL21 INGB 0653 6632 42 to the attention of the Age@Minds Fund. We would greatly appreciate your support.

Would you like to support this fund with a donation?
Would you like to support the Age@Minds Fund, part of the University Fund Limburg (with ANBI status), in its mission? You can do so by clicking on the donate button below or by transferring your contribution to the bank account of the Universiteitsfonds Limburg/SWOL IBAN: NL21 INGB 0653 6632 42 to the attention of the Age@Minds Fund. We would greatly appreciate your support.