Age-related forgetfulness, a problem affecting the elderly

Senile dementia is a set of characteristic symptoms that manifest as cognitive impairments caused by brain disease. These primarily concern memory problems, personality changes, and mood swings. Over time and with the progression of the disease, elderly individuals experience an increasing lack of abilities, which leads to a restriction in performing daily tasks and social interactions independently.

Among the most common causes of senile dementia are neurodegenerative diseases leading to brain damage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 60% of cases of senile dementia are caused by Alzheimer's disease. However, it is worth noting that dementia can also be caused by other diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body diseases, or Huntington's disease.

The primary manifestations of senile dementia are diverse impairments of memory and cognitive processes in elderly individuals. In the preponderant majority of cases of patients with senile dementia, there is difficulty in recalling recent occurrences, and over time it becomes entirely unfeasible. Memory issues start to impact the capabilities of older individuals in day-to-day life, which manifests in the inability to execute intricate physical movements and concurrently restricts autonomy. Consequently, a multitude of older individuals necessitate round-the-clock care and support, such as personal hygiene or meal preparation. Further typical indications of senile dementia are: – mood fluctuation, – communication challenges (speech), – behavioral changes, e.g., apathy, irritability, disposition towards aggression. Additionally, it is worth noting that brain injuries in the case of dementia can exhibit characteristic symptoms, depending on the affected brain area. For instance, damage to the frontal lobe can lead to the development of exceptionally vulgar language and obscene conduct.

The terms dementia and Alzheimer's disease are often confused, but there are significant differences between them. Alzheimer's disease is a cause of dementia characterized by memory issues, apathy, and unwarranted mood changes. In contrast, for dementia caused by other factors (e.g., alcohol dependence), brain damage can be reversed through appropriate treatment and addiction therapy.

Initially, dementia may be overlooked by close relatives, who usually attribute an older person's forgetfulness to their age and brain damage. In such cases, the most common symptom of dementia is difficulty in quickly and easily recalling basic information, such as the names of children or grandchildren. This may be accompanied by other disorders, such as disorientation, increased irritability, and language problems. The initial diagnosis of dementia is typically made by a family doctor, followed by comprehensive neuropsychological tests conducted by a neurologist or psychiatrist. Additional tests, such as blood tests, brain imaging using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, may also be recommended to rule out tumors or bleeds.