the symptoms of mental deterioration (which is reversible) – WWN

It can simulate a depressive state, but also other forms of mental disorder: the pseudodementia. The term does not fall within the official diagnostic systems and is the subject of discussion among experts, but it is still used for its clinical usefulness, given that it allows us to distinguish some forms of mental deterioration That once adequately treated they are reversible. In fact, pseudodementia can present itself with difficulty concentrating, deficits in various cognitive functions And psychomotor delay, symptoms which, especially in elderly people, suggest the beginning of an involutional process of the brain. instead one a condition that can be stopped and reversed with adequate treatment says Salom Mouta of the Departamento de Psiquiatria e Saude Mental of the Unidade Local de Saude of Guarda, Portugal, first author of an article on the subject published in the magazine General Psychiatry.

The risks of confusion with depression

On the contrary, even today the process of cerebral deterioration typical of true dementia cannot be stopped or significantly delayed. People with a moderate or severe depressive disorder may develop a decline in cognitive functions, with attention deficit, psychomotor retardation, difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating, making decisions, and a tendency to forget. it is therefore evident that r. existrisks of confusion between true dementia, depression and pseudodementia. Some studies indicate that between 20 and 30% of those who receive an initial diagnosis of dementia may actually be suffering from a form of pseudodementiawith symptoms shared with a depressive disorder.

Symptoms

An elderly person who begins to have difficulty remembering names, to lose the fluency of speaking, to have memory gaps, to be unable to concentrate on his tasks, to have difficulty planning the day, to have emotional disturbances, will easily tend to think that perhaps he is heading towards brain deterioration, but in reality a depressive state can also cause these symptoms. There difference is both inevolution of the two conditions both in theirs response to treatments. Furthermore, while in true dementia a process of physical involution of the brain is soon evident which can be detected with brain visualization techniques, in depressive forms this involution is absent or it manifests itself in very limited areas, such as the hippocampus, when the disorder lasts a long time.

The diagnosis

The diagnosis of pseudodementia in adults/elderly people poses challenges due to several factors, says Mouta. First of all, the aging process itself entails cognitive and brain functioning changes, so it becomes difficult to distinguish between simple age-related changes and early signs of depression or true dementia. Furthermore, the diagnosis of pseudodementia is made complex by the fact that depressive symptoms and symptoms of various involutive neurological conditions can overlap in elderly people. Finally, it is also possible that a person can experience both true dementia and depression at the same time, which adds further difficulties to a correct diagnosis. This last case is anything but rare: approx 30% of those suffering from vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease have evident depressive symptoms, as do 40% of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Due to the commonality of symptoms between dementia and depression, it can be difficult to understand whether someone living with dementia also suffers from depression.

Signs to watch out for

Some telltale signs may be the loss of interest and pleasure in activities which that person normally did willingly, there tendency towards social isolationthe lack of energythe negativity of thoughts and the loss of hopeor the presence of nihilistic feelings Of lack of value, sadness, feelings of guilt, attempts at self-harm, growing confusion.

The treatments

As regards the available treatments, today specialists agree on the fact that in general, if a case of pseudodementia is suspected, it is best to first try to treat the depressive state or any other possible underlying mental disorder. Treatment of depression can vary from person to person, concludes Mouta. But usually based on both psychotherapeutic interventions and the use of antidepressant drugs. Starting treatment for depression can also help to distinguish pseudodementia from true dementia. AND Effective treatment may also alleviate the cognitive malfunction associated with depressionwith a significant symptomatic improvement.

The main differences between dementia and pseudodementia

Here are some differences between pseudodementia And dementia. In the first, abrupt onset, usually days or weeks; Lintense and insidious in the other. In the pseudo form, symptoms progress rapidly and tend to be worse in the morning; family members soon realize it. In the other the progression is slow and gradual, in the long term the symptoms worsen during the night and the family members initially do not notice the deficits and disabilities. As for the subject, in pseudodementia It is likely that you already have a history of depressive or manic symptoms. However, in dementia, a history of this type is rarely present. The mood also changes: depressed, with poor reactions to sad or cheerful situations, in the first form. Labile and superficial, with normal or exaggerated reaction to sad or happy situations in the second. The person with pseudodementia tends to underline their memory defects, while in dementia they tend to minimize, deny and hide their memory deficits.

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