Psychiatrist Ruslan Vorobyov: at the age of 45, many people are at increased risk of developing mental illness.
During the period of life from 45 to 60 years, so-called “presenile psychoses” may occur – unfavorable conditions during which various psychopathological syndromes manifest themselves. In particular, problems with thinking, hallucinations, affectations, depression, isolation, behavioral disorders, perception disorders, and so on are observed. Psychiatrist Ruslan Vorobyov told Gazeta.Ru that depression, schizophrenia, and early dementia may begin at this age.
“There is such a thing as early-onset dementia, the presenile variant. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. This disease develops due to a disruption in the metabolism of the amyloid protein and the formation of amyloid plaques in brain tissue. This triggers a cascade of processes that lead to the death of neurons – neurodegeneration – as a result of which mental functions begin to suffer,” the specialist explained.
Vorobyov added that dementia begins to manifest itself with short-term memory impairment, which at this stage is perceived as forgetfulness or absent-mindedness of a person. In addition, his ability to work decreases. Over time, memory impairment progresses and the ability to absorb new information and learn some skills becomes increasingly weak. In addition, psychopathological deviations worsen.
“Further progression of memory impairment leads to forgetting the names of loved ones, names of objects, words. Memory impairment is accompanied by a narrowing of the range of interests, mood lability, anxiety, suspiciousness,” Ruslan Vorobyov added.
The doctor drew attention to the fact that people susceptible to dementia often notice symptoms typical of psychoemotional disorders at an early stage. Depression, anxiety, sleep disorders – all this may indicate that dementia is developing, even if we are talking about a person who is not yet 50 years old.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote that a sign of dementia can be a person's inability to adequately use money or a bank card.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Ruslan Vorobyov Health psychiatrist, lecturer at the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, PhD in Medicine