Final answer:
PTSD symptoms in older adults can be made worse by cognitive decline, social isolation, and health problems. The interaction of these factors can result in exacerbated symptoms, especially in those with traumatic experiences like war veterans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms in older adults may be exacerbated by a combination of factors, including cognitive decline, social isolation, and health problems. Thus, the direct answer to the question is D: All of the above.
As individuals age, the likelihood of experiencing cognitive decline increases, potentially impacting their ability to manage and process traumatic memories associated with PTSD. Furthermore, social isolation can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression, which are common in PTSD sufferers. Health problems, which are more common in older populations, can add a layer of stress, potentially worsening PTSD symptoms. Compounding these issues, older adults, such as veterans, may have faced traumas such as wars that have left deep psychological scars that resurface with age-related changes. Therefore, healthcare providers must consider these factors when addressing the mental health of older adults with PTSD.