Alzheimer's disease: symptoms, stages, prevention and treatment

Every 10 elderly people are diagnosed with dementia. Moreover, every 10 years this figure doubles as the number of elderly people grows. And in 50%-70% of cases it is associated with Alzheimer's disease1.

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of nerve cells in the brain. Since the neurons of the brain are destroyed, patients are characterized by disorders of memory and thinking, attention, speech, orientation in space, the ability to make decisions, and perform usual work duties. Mental disorders are expressed by anxiety and depression. In the later stages, intellect and mental activity disintegrate, and in general, motor disorders develop.

The disease is progressing all the time. On average, death occurs 8 years after diagnosis1. A medicine that can prevent the death of brain cells has not yet been invented, so the goal of treatment is to combat symptoms and increase life expectancy.

Kinds

The forms of the disease are divided according to age:

• with early (before 65 years) onset
• with late (after 65 years) onset
• atypical Alzheimer's disease (mixed type with vascular or other problems)

They differ not only in the age of onset of the disease. Often the timing of the onset of the first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease cannot be accurately determined, they are so invisible. It is important that the forms of Alzheimer's disease have significant differences in the clinical picture and features of the development of the disease, this allows for more accurate diagnosis.

Alzheimer's disease

Introduction

Apparently, every time is accompanied by one or more diseases, which are mentioned and discussed in society more often than all other diseases.
Such “current” diseases are known to everyone; they are becoming commonplace and almost fashionable. They are almost understandable to the general enlightened public, but at the same time, they are mysterious enough to make them the topic of salon conversations, “competent” judgments (I supposedly know), or even jokes - unfunny, deliberately blasphemous or , sorry, frankly stupid. Such popularity most likely reflects a complex mixture of repressed fear, pagan protective spells and the hope that the terrible disease will remain somewhere out there, in epidemiological reports or the fates of very distant acquaintances. Typically, this effect is due to the emergence of new scientific knowledge (for example, the discovery of a previously unknown pathogen, as was the case with HIV/AIDS or prion diseases), comprehension of truly frightening statistical relationships (oncogenic subtypes of papillomavirus and cervical cancer), and socially significant works of art (“ One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Rain Man") or biographies of prominent people. Thus, thanks to the truly heroic fight against the disease, which the English physicist Stephen Hawking has been waging for decades, the whole world is talking about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The ex-president of the United States, who survived an assassination attempt and several oncological surgeries, coping with progressive deafness and fractures, eventually wrote a simple and heartfelt letter to his fellow citizens, where he said goodbye to them in advance - at that time still understanding what awaited him. Ronald Reagan passed the 90-year mark, a feat only two presidents had achieved before him, and died of pneumonia, a typical outcome of Alzheimer's disease.

The disease, the first clinical description of which belongs to Alois Alzheimer (Germany, 1906), still remains the subject of not only public attention, but also intense scientific and medical discussions. In the current ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision), this disease is classified in both the neurological and psychiatric sections. Some time ago, against the backdrop of an emerging trend towards “paramedicism and algorithmization” of medicine (alas, Bulgakov’s Sharikovs are immortal, omnipresent and sometimes still occupy high positions, including in international health organizations) – attempts were made to generalize with the diagnosis “Disease Alzheimer's" in general, all presenile and senile, i.e. related to elderly and senile age, dementing (debilitating) processes: vascular dementia, various types of atrophy, etc. In particular, Wikipedia defines Alzheimer's disease as the most common form of senile (over 65 years of age) dementia, and calls the early version rare. However, common sense and clinical thinking are likely to prevail: most specialists, both “pure practitioners” and “highbrow departments,” consider Alzheimer’s disease as an independent form of presenile, presenile neurodegeneration, which usually manifests itself in the age range of 40– 60 years old, is characterized by its own specificity, recognizable symptoms and significant differences (clinical and, probably, etiopathogenetic) even from the very similar Pick dementia.

The ambiguity of diagnostic approaches is also due to the discrepancy in statistical estimates. Thus, some sources estimate the number of people on the globe suffering from Alzheimer’s disease at about 30 million people; in others – over 50 million people. It has been reliably established that women get sick more often. There is no doubt that the frequency of occurrence is constantly and rapidly growing: over the next decades, the number of patients should increase by 3-5 times.

In general, no matter how you avoid emotionally charged judgments, the essence of the problem does not change: Alzheimer’s disease is a ruthless progressive (continuously progressing) atrophic process that reproduces its inexorable patterns again and again.

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms and signs of Alzheimer's disease vary at different stages of the disease. First, short-term memory and the ability to remember new things are lost. The same questions are asked many times. Then abstract thinking is lost and long-term memory begins to suffer. Words, concepts, names of grandchildren, events of recent years are forgotten. Work tasks become impossible, writing and calculations are disrupted.

In older people, signs of Alzheimer's disease may include problems with mental calculations, forgetfulness, difficulty finding the right words, and handwriting becoming less legible.

In rare cases, the problem occurs before the age of 30, when there is a hereditary predisposition, as well as provoking factors such as diabetes mellitus and traumatic brain injuries. The difference is that the progression is much faster. First, short-term memory is impaired, then it becomes difficult to explain something. It is not always possible to start treatment on time, since Alzheimer's disease at a young age is easily confused with psychiatric diseases.

In women, the disease is more common and develops faster. Damage to nerve cells leads to changes in behavior: passivity, apathy, tearfulness, and frequent mood swings. Since the onset of the disease often coincides with menopause, it is not easy to determine that these are manifestations of Alzheimer's disease.

In men, the disease is diagnosed less frequently. Initial symptoms remain unnoticeable for a long time, and symptoms develop slowly.

Not just swearing. What is Tourette's syndrome?

Until recently, this disease was considered rare and strange. Why is that? Probably, not least because outwardly it can manifest itself as obscene language and insults towards others.

We will talk about Tourette's syndrome. What is known about this disease today? How to recognize Tourette's syndrome? What treatment methods are used to correct patients with this disease? With these and other questions, we turned to Natalya Vladimirovna Umerenkova, a neurologist at the Expert Clinic Kursk.

— Natalya Vladimirovna, films are being made about this disease. What kind of disease is Tourette's syndrome?

— This is a disease accompanied by chronic multiple motor and vocal tics. It is based on changes in the maturation of certain brain structures, as well as disruption of neural connections in the subcortical structures, frontal lobes and limbic system.

The syndrome owes its name to the French neurologist Gilles de la Tourette, who at the end of the 19th century, together with his colleagues, described its symptoms using the example of several patients.

— How common is this disease? What do the statistics say?

— Statistics on Tourette's syndrome vary. In Russia this number is 5 per 10,000 population. However, there is a caveat that up to 3% of schoolchildren may suffer from this disease. It is also known that boys get sick 2-4 times more often than girls.

— Are the causes of Tourette’s syndrome known? Is this disease inherited?

“Today it is impossible to single out one cause of the disease. Experts consider the most likely genetic theory of the development of the disease, but the genes responsible for this disorder have not yet been found. A third of patients have a family history, that is, one of the relatives in the family had tic conditions. But even in the case of hereditary burden, trigger factors are usually necessary that contribute to the development of the disease. This could be, for example, a streptococcal infection suffered by the child, or peculiarities of the mother’s pregnancy (drug addiction, use of anabolic steroids).

— How does Tourette syndrome manifest? Is this just obscene language?

- No, not only. Usually the disease debuts in childhood, less often in adolescence. It usually begins with various movement disorders on the face. This may include closing the eyes, licking the lips, sniffing the nose, grinding teeth, grimacing - rather nonspecific manifestations that usually do not make parents suspect the disease. Next comes vocal manifestations - coughing, hissing, barking, smacking. Tics spread to the muscles of the neck, upper and lower extremities. Over time, they change and can become more complex. In patients, one can observe involuntary motor manifestations such as snapping fingers, complex grimaces, and repetition of an action seen.

Previously, coprolalia – shouting obscene language and insults – was also included in the diagnostic criteria. Now this symptom is not decisive, since it is actively manifested in only 10% of patients with Tourette syndrome. For the rest, it is either absent, or the patient is aware of such words, but pronounces them mentally and not out loud.

A significant proportion of people with Tourette's syndrome also experience attention deficit disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and behavioral disorders (aggression, anxiety).

— Natalya Vladimirovna, please tell us about the methods for diagnosing Tourette’s syndrome. How is it identified?

- Exclusively in a clinical way. There are no specific laboratory or instrumental methods for studying this pathology. Quite often, the disease is not recognized in the early stages because parents interpret the appearance of motor and vocal tics in the child as a behavioral disorder or a personality trait.

I would like to emphasize that the diagnosis is made if clinical manifestations are present for at least 12 months. It is also important to distinguish tics in Tourette syndrome from secondary tics that develop as a result of traumatic brain injury or intoxication.

— How is this disease treated? And, just as important, who?

“The earlier this syndrome is detected, the easier it is to correct it. This is usually done by a neurologist and, if necessary, a psychiatrist. I would like to note that Tourette syndrome is not a violation of the intellectual sphere. It is important to convey to parents that the child needs psychological and pedagogical correction and competent socialization, so that they do not mock him, make fun of him, or focus on his characteristics.

Drug treatment is selected individually and depends on the severity of the patient’s condition. Therapy for Tourette's syndrome is long-term.

The peculiarity of this disease is that the tics intensify at rest. Therefore, it is important to provide the child with employment, for example, in sports clubs. Behavioral therapy, autogenic training and other methods of psychological assistance for Tourette syndrome also enable patients to socialize.

According to research, in every third patient the disease goes away after adolescence, in 30% the severity of tics in adulthood noticeably decreases, and in another third it remains unchanged.

— Do people with Tourette’s syndrome join the army?

— With a high degree of impairment, that is, when motor tics are so pronounced that they are uncontrollable and can pose a threat to physical condition, the patient is considered unfit for military service.

— How does Tourette syndrome affect work ability? Is it possible to get disability with this disease?

- Yes, it can be installed. If the severity of tics is very high, but there is no effect from treatment, this is a reason to seek a medical and social examination.

Interviewed by Sevilya Ibraimova

You can make an appointment with a neurologist here You can make an appointment with a pediatric neurologist here ATTENTION: the service is not available in all cities

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For reference:

Umerenkova Natalya Vladimirovna

Graduate of the Faculty of Medicine of Kursk State Medical University in 2004. In 2005, she completed an internship in neurology. Currently holds the position of neurologist, head of the neurology department at the Expert Clinic Kursk. Receives at the address: st. Karl Liebknecht, no. 7.

Diagnostics

Tests

A neurologist or psychiatrist can make the correct diagnosis and identify the initial symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease must be comprehensive.

In addition to the usual questioning and examination, psychological tests are used that identify problems with memory and cognitive functions at an early stage.

Examples of tasks:

• draw a clock face with a given time (for example 10.45);
• draw a clock face;
• reproduce a geometric figure from a picture;
• rewrite the sentence;
• read cards with words and then repeat;
• find the given symbol/number in the picture.

It is advisable for every elderly person to undergo testing in order to identify problems at an early stage.

Neuroimaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) are used. These methods help to see changes in the structure of the brain. The doctor evaluates atrophic changes, the size of the grooves, gyri, and affected areas. Modern research helps to exclude other diseases, such as strokes, tumors, and prescribe the correct treatment.

Genetic testing

Helps to identify a disease with an early onset and aggressive course. Used in the diagnosis of familial forms of Alzheimer's disease.

Laboratory research

Allows you to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms of dementia. An analysis of liver enzymes, assessment of thyroid function, levels of B vitamins, folate, tests for syphilis, HIV, and urine testing are required. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid if a tumor or infection of the central nervous system is suspected.

A detailed analysis and history of the development of symptoms is important; this can increase the accuracy of diagnosing asthma to 90–95%2. It is important to note any new signs in the patient’s behavior. Sometimes this information plays a more important role compared to even CT/MRI studies.

Associated symptoms

To establish the exact cause of memory impairment and make a differential diagnosis, the doctor pays attention to the dominant signs. In diseases that cause memory impairment, accompanying symptoms are observed:

1. Pain in the head area.
2. Nausea, attacks of vomiting.
3. Convulsive syndrome.
4. Paralysis, paresis.
5. Impaired motor coordination.
6. Speech dysfunction.
7. Inability to navigate in time and space.
8. Inability to maintain balance, dizziness.
9. Confusion of consciousness.
10. Sensitivity disorder.

Vascular pathologies that occur in a chronic form lead to the development of discirculatory encephalopathy, for which the following symptoms are typical: hypokinesia (limitation of the volume and speed of voluntary movements), pseudobulbar syndrome (dysphonia - decreased strength and sonority of the voice, dysarthria - impaired speech pronunciation, dysphagia - impaired swallowing , enhanced reflex reactions of oral automatism).

At the same time, signs are revealed: increased tone of skeletal muscles, gait disturbance, increased tendon reflexes of an asymmetrical nature. In multiple sclerosis, pronounced motor disturbances are observed, including pathological pyramidal reflex reactions, decreased skeletal muscle tone, paresis, and increased fatigue.

Other symptoms: ataxia (impaired coordination in the movement of a muscle group), intention-type tremor, dysmetria (excessive or insufficient amplitude of voluntary, purposeful movements), nystagmus (frequent oscillatory movements of the eyeballs), deterioration of visual acuity and other disturbances of visual function.

Stages of the disease

Alzheimer's disease develops gradually, not all at once.

"Doubtful" dementia

The early stage may not be noticeable to others and can only be revealed through detailed neurocognitive tests. This stage is characterized by mild forgetfulness and inaccurate memories. You can also notice difficulties in determining the similarities and differences between objects and events. Abstract thinking and planning are difficult. In ordinary life, we won’t even notice this, so a person manages to hide or compensate for small problems in communication and work.

Mild dementia

Memory impairments become more obvious, especially for recent events. A person can get lost and forget his usual route. Confuse the order of events. Cannot find commonality or compare two objects or events. The ability to do calculations and write letters is lost. Such a person will speak slowly, use simple words, sometimes they may not be enough for reasoning. At the same time, the usual self-care activities are preserved.

Changes in behavior are already possible in the form of petty nonsense that someone is stealing from him, oppressing him, or causing harm. The state may be depressed due to the understanding that “something is wrong” with the head.

Moderate dementia

At this stage, learning new information becomes impossible. A person gets confused in the order of important events in his own life. He ceases to understand where he is and what time it is. The stock of memory and knowledge is constantly decreasing, they are becoming more and more inaccurate and blurred. Speech is impaired, first the ability to write is lost, then to read.

A “time shift” into the past may occur in consciousness. A person thinks and perceives everything as if he were not living today, but in a time that he still remembers. This may be accompanied by energy and a persistent desire for pseudo-activity.

Severe dementia

A person completely loses touch with reality, he not only does not orient himself in time and space, but also loses the idea of ​​himself, his personality. Such a person cannot live independently. Attention is very weak. Reactions are more template, “automatic”. At the same time, emotional contact is preserved; an example would be “imaginary” conversations, when the patient tries to maintain a conversation, but its content is completely meaningless. The mood can change from aggression to apathy.

The patient is weakened psychologically and physically. Activity decreases sharply, complications develop in the form of bedsores, pneumonia, which leads to death.

Causes of Capgras syndrome

Capgras syndrome is complex in nature and varies from patient to patient. It is impossible to identify the causes of the development of this disorder in a particular person without detailed studies of the neural damage that is associated with the syndrome.

The first studies on this topic were related to the possible relationship of brain injuries with Capgras syndrome. Allegedly, after injury, patients are not able to recognize faces consciously, even if they recognize other objects that they knew before. A study dating back to 1984 revealed impaired recognition during autonomic arousal of the brain. It became clear that there are two ways of developing Capgras syndrome - conscious and unconscious.

Studies have also shown the relationship between the presence of doubling paramnesia and the development of Capgras syndrome. This is because these two syndromes can affect the same areas of the brain and for this reason may have the same manifestations (signs).

Since paramnesia most often develops with injury to the frontal lobe of the brain, scientists have suggested that the development of Capgras syndrome is also associated with the condition of the frontal part of the brain. They also noticed that if the connection between another part and the frontal part is disrupted due to injury, this can also cause the development of Capgras syndrome.

Causes

There are many theories about the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease, but the exact cause has not been established.

The exact cause is still not determined.

Lack of acetylcholine. It was thought that the disease might be related to a deficiency of this neurotransmitter. But it turned out that the administration of this substance does not improve the condition of patients.

Amyloid theory. Amyloid protein is deposited in brain tissue and is detected on CT/MRI in the form of plaques. First, the transmission of nerve impulses is disrupted, then the brain cells die. It can take 10-15 years from the appearance of the first plaques to mild forgetfulness3.

Tau theory. Structural abnormalities occur in the structure of tau protein, which is contained in nerve cells. This disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, and ultimately leads to the death of the neuron. These disorders are usually detected after the onset of amyloid plaques.

Genetic predisposition becomes the cause in only 10% of cases1.

Prevention of disease development

Research into the causes of Alzheimer's disease does not provide clear guidance on how to prevent dementia. But, nevertheless, there are some factors that can influence the health of a person in old age:

1. Diet. It has been found that people living in the Mediterranean region are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer's disease. In particular, this is due to the peculiarities of local nutrition. Olive oil, red wine, fish and seafood can have a mitigating effect on this disease. Cereals, wheat, vegetables and fruits are also useful. The brain needs curcumin, which is found in a popular spice. There is also evidence of the benefits of caprylic acid, which is part of coconut oil. The use of this product allows patients to regain the ability to perform simple household chores.
2. High cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, and other factors in the development of heart disease and the entire cardiovascular system are often associated with the risk of developing severe forms of Alzheimer's disease.
3. Brain training and intellectual activities. It was noticed that people who are fond of reading, solving puzzles and crosswords, playing musical instruments and speaking foreign languages ​​developed Alzheimer's disease at a later age. Intellectual stress delays the onset of age-related pathological changes in brain tissue.

Also, some researchers have drawn attention to the relationship between the risk of developing the disease and the patient’s working conditions. It is believed that magnetic fields can trigger the onset of Alzheimer's disease. External factors also include heavy metals and solvents that enter the body. But today there is no reliable data on how the external environment affects the development of degenerative processes.

Alzheimer's disease is a serious problem for most countries, since dementia imposes a great burden and responsibility on society. This disease can develop in any person, regardless of his status and financial situation. The most discussed case was the illness of Ronald Reagan, the former President of the United States of America. The fact of his illness was covered by many media and served as the basis for the writing of scientific papers examining the impairment of cognitive functions in famous people with extraordinary abilities and a sharp mind.

Treatment

Today, treatment for Alzheimer's disease is aimed at combating symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients.

It is important to start treatment in a timely manner!

Cholinesterase inhibitors. The following drugs are used to combat acetylcholine deficiency:

• acetylcholine precursors (citicoline, choline alfoscerate);
• promoting the release of acetylcholine in the synapse (ipidacrine);
• capable of enhancing the effect of acetylcholine (galantamine);
• blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine (rivastigmine, donepezil, galantamine, ipidacrine);

Memantine is the only drug recommended worldwide for the treatment of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Can be used for moderate to severe cases.

Cerebrolysin – believed to increase brain cell viability.

All drugs can have significant side effects and have strict contraindications, so the dosage regimen is selected individually by the doctor. It is also impossible to supplement the treatment regimen with nootropics in order to support the brain on your own.

Prevention of Alzheimer's

There is currently no specific prevention for Alzheimer's disease. It is believed that intellectual activity is a factor that can delay the onset of the disease or slow down its progression to a certain extent. However, there is no reliable way to prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease. It has been noted that people with healthy hearts and blood vessels are less susceptible to this pathology.

It is not possible to recommend any dietary supplements or medications that can prevent Alzheimer's disease or prevent cognitive impairment. At the same time, course use of Cerebrolysin can reduce the progression of cognitive impairment and dementia in individuals with a genetic tendency to develop Alzheimer's disease, as well as in the elderly with a slight decrease in cognitive function.

Classification of joint diseases according to the nature of the pathological process

1. Inflammatory and infectious.

In this case, an infectious, allergic or autoimmune process develops in the body, which causes inflammation of the joint. Edema and swelling appear. In just a few hours, symptoms progress to their maximum, and then recede and enter the chronic phase.

To determine the degree of inflammation, an x-ray examination is performed. Thus, in the second degree of arthritis, destruction of cartilage and bone tissue is visible in the photographs, as in grade 2 osteoarthritis, and in the third degree there is significant deformation of the joint.

This group includes:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• infectious-allergic arthritis;
• gout;
• Bekhterev's disease;
• psoriatic arthritis, etc.

Arthritis can be caused by tonsillitis, scarlet fever, gonorrhea and any other infection.

2. Degenerative joint diseases.

Most often they are caused by wear and tear of cartilage tissue, but also occur against the background of osteoporosis - reduced bone density. Arthrosis of the hip, knee, and elbow manifests itself gradually - starting with a slight pain after a hard day. Over time, the pain increases even after rest, and mobility is limited. The joint may ache due to the weather and swell. Deforming arthrosis of the knee and hip joint is the most common cause of disability in joint diseases.

X-rays and MRIs can determine the extent of joint damage. At the initial stage, a slight reduction in the height of the gap is noticeable due to the thinning of the cartilage tissue. At the second stage, the cavity is reduced by a third of normal, and bone growths appear. The third is characterized by irreversible deformations up to bone fusion. In this case, only joint replacement will help, however, there are certain contraindications to it.

Yoga is an excellent preventative against arthrosis and osteochondrosis.

3. Congenital joint pathologies.

Most often, congenital hip dislocation is diagnosed in combination with hip dysplasia. If the disease is not treated, it will progress and cause problems with the child’s gait and posture. Congenital dislocation can be corrected conservatively.

Marfan syndrome is somewhat less common, which is manifested by increased joint mobility, poor posture and a keeled chest. People with this diagnosis are more likely than others to end up in the hospital with a fracture or dislocation, but this condition can be kept under control.

Even babies are susceptible to joint diseases

4. Diseases of periarticular tissues.

Although these pathologies do not affect the joint, they can seriously worsen its function without adequate therapy. These include tendonitis, bursitis, ligamentitis, fibrositis - inflammation of tendons, joint capsules, ligaments and fascia. As a rule, they develop after excessive physical exertion and “coldness” of the limbs.

With such diseases, discomfort is felt only during active movements, while during massage or palpation the person does not complain of anything. With lesions of the periarticular tissues, there is always a point of maximum pain, while with arthritis, for example, the pain is diffuse.

Diseases of the periarticular tissues are no less dangerous than pathologies of the joints

What is dementia?

Dementia is characterized by the destruction of brain cells in a chaotic pattern. Often this process occurs simultaneously in several areas. Perhaps this will be an area of ​​long-term memory or an area responsible for external reactions, that is, behavior. In the most pronounced cases, the speed of thinking decreases, the sense of orientation in space suffers, and the ability to speak disappears. As a rule, the disease progresses in a person’s brain until his self-awareness disappears completely.

Statistics:

Currently, there are more than 50 million people on the planet who have this diagnosis. This figure increases by 20% every year.

There are many types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. The sad fact is that such diseases cannot be stopped, but they can be slowed down and stopped if detected in a timely manner.

Starting signs of dementia syndrome

At the initial stage, the following points can usually be highlighted:

Difficulty expressing thoughts

Everyone is familiar with the situation when a word or phrase is forgotten. People even have an expression: “It’s on the tip of your tongue.” It's okay if it happens rarely and doesn't bother you. However, if this is repeated constantly and causes problems when interacting with people, this is already a reason for suspicion.

Bad memory

If you are looking for the TV remote control 3 times a week because you don’t remember where you put it yesterday, this is a common situation. But if you have forgotten what your child told you yesterday or have difficulty remembering today’s lunch, then your cognitive abilities are already impaired.

Anxiety and mild paranoia

Of course, as we grow older, we all understand that life is a complex and complex process. Not everyone finds the right place in the world and that is why there are many disappointed people around us. Cynicism or pessimism is, unfortunately, the norm today. But if you hear a person absolutely seriously talking about the fact that someone is making an attempt on his life every day or that he is under surveillance, you should know that this is the beginning of dementia.

Sudden and uncontrollable changes in mood and character

It also happens that a stern and unsociable person suddenly becomes a sociable talker. Some will say that this is even good, but do not delude yourself. As a rule, any frequent and sudden changes in character are caused by the malfunction of some area of ​​the brain. The same applies to too frequent depression.

Loss of temporal and spatial orientation

What date is today? What day of the week? What is the shortest route to a public transport stop? If trying to answer these questions is difficult, it means your brain cells have already begun to slowly deteriorate.

Losing interest in hobbies

Swimming pool activities, a stamp album, knitting and other simple and complex hobbies begin to rapidly disappear from a person’s life with the development of dementia. Apathy is dangerous on any farm, but on this one more so than others.

Lost

Typically, people do not observe each other much while at work. If one of your colleagues asks you the same question for the tenth time, and after receiving the answer, he slowly walks away with an absent look, you should take a closer look at him. Doctors say a person with dementia may lose the ability to concentrate and plan their actions.

Illogical dialogue

The brain suffering from dementia prevents a person from having a logical conversation. Thoughts are constantly confused, and a discussion of good weather can end on something completely abstract. People simply forget what exactly they wanted to express their opinion about.

"Plyushkin" syndrome

All useful and useless things are carefully hidden and stored for a rainy day. Sometimes older people become collectors of rubbish and garbage because they think that “everything can be useful on the farm.”