Distinguishing between symptoms of normal ageing and memory illness is important as memory illness can cause severe impairment in quality of life of both patient and their carer. The earlier treatment for memory illness is initiated, the better the outcome. Therefor early diagnosis is essential.

Geriatric psychiatry focuses on psychiatric conditions which are complicated by the unique challenges we face later in life. These challenges include retirement, moving house, loss of spouse or friends and children leaving home. In several cases physical illness is present which can increase the risk of developing mental illness. It is thus important to manage each senior citizen according to their specific needs.