Why do elderly people become irritable, and what can be done about it?

Generally, irritability in the elderly may be caused by age-related emotional changes, sleep disorders, depression, hyperthyroidism, Alzheimer's disease, or other factors. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and seek treatment under the guidance of a physician through non-pharmacological interventions, medications, and other therapeutic approaches. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Age-Related Emotional Changes

With advancing age, levels of neurotransmitters in the elderly brain change, affecting emotional regulation and leading to irritability. Regular physical activity, sustained social engagement, and cultivation of hobbies are recommended in daily life.

2. Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders disrupt the normal balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Chronic sleep deprivation can reduce serotonin levels—serotonin being a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation—and its deficiency makes older adults more prone to negative emotions and irritability. It is important to improve the sleep environment and establish regular sleep habits.

3. Depression

Depression may arise from environmental changes, psychological stress, or other factors, potentially disrupting the balance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. This imbalance impairs the brain’s ability to control negative emotions, possibly resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. Other common symptoms may include loss of interest and insomnia. Patients should take medications such as sertraline hydrochloride capsules, duloxetine hydrochloride enteric-coated capsules, or escitalopram oxalate tablets under medical supervision.

4. Hyperthyroidism

Low immunity, emotional fluctuations, and other factors may lead to hyperthyroidism, causing excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. This results in increased metabolism and overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, contributing to irritability in the elderly. Common accompanying symptoms include weight loss and palpitations. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as hydrocortisone tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or propranolol hydrochloride tablets for treatment.

5. Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease may result from aging, reduced immunity, and other causes, leading to progressive degeneration of brain neurons that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, which in turn may trigger irritability. Typical symptoms often include significant mood swings and cognitive decline. Patients may take medications such as memantine hydrochloride oral solution, galantamine hydrobromide orally disintegrating tablets, or donepezil hydrochloride tablets under medical guidance to improve symptoms.

Elderly individuals should maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, pay attention to both physical and mental health, and prevent mood fluctuations through balanced nutrition, regular作息, and moderate exercise. Additionally, active participation in social activities and enrichment of daily life can promote emotional stability and psychological well-being.