Senior Diagnostic Unit
The Senior Diagnostic Unit is housed on 6-West in the South Tower of Stormont-Vail HealthCare. This 12-bed unit provides psychiatric assessment and treatment for patients 60 years of age and over. Patients include those with prior behavioral problems as well as those with newly observed symptoms secondary to aging, grief or medical problems that could interfere with someone’s thinking.
Some of the conditions the unit treats like dementia and depression, can be easily confused, but with our multi-disciplinary team approach the correct diagnosis and treatment can be reached. We also give options for the future and provide education and connections to resources in the community. Inquiries about possible admission should call (785) 354-6695.
Depression is NOT a normal part of aging
For some seniors, the holiday season can bring on or worsen feelings of sadness, loneliness and isolation. To find out if you or a loved one is suffering from more than just the "winter blues," answer the Geriatric Depression Scale questionnaire below.
Geriatric Depression Scale
Then compare your answers to the scoring form:
Geriatric Depression Scale Scoring Instructions
If your score suggests depression, contact the Senior Diagnostic Unit at (785) 354-6694.
AD8 Form
If you are wondering if your loved one may be experiencing the signs or symptoms of a dementing disorder, a brief questionnaire called the AD8, may be the place to start. A screening tool in itself is insufficient to diagnose dementia. The AD8 is, however, quite sensitive to detecting early cognitive changes associated with many cognitive disorders including Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
Scores in the impaired range (see below) indicate a need for further assessment. Scores in the “normal” range suggest that a memory disorder is unlikely, but a very early disease process cannot be ruled out. More advanced assessment may be warranted in cases where other objective evidence of impairment exists. Depression also can mimic dementia in some instances.
- 0 to 1: Normal cognition
- 2 or greater: Cognitive impairment is likely
- If 2 or greater, you or your loved one might benefit from a comprehensive evaluation at the Stormont-Vail Senior Diagnostic Unit.
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