Subjectively, the issue of memory loss, or actually entering the period in which we think that memory begins to fail us, is not so simple.
First of all, this process does not happen as quickly as it seems to us, and its assessment is largely due to subjective factors. This can be explained by an example. When a teenager can not find the keys to an apartment before leaving the house in the morning, he usually blames himself for lack of orderliness or for being uncoordinated and unable to "organize". When a similar situation happens to a seventy-year-old man, he probably will blame the loss of memory. And maybe it is due to the fact that he does not put things in place not since yesterday. Specialists draw attention to the fact that when people are asked if they have a worse memory today than 10 years ago, they answer that they remember better or more, it may be true, but it can also be just an illusion. Such doubts may be explained by a psychologist who will examine the memory of the person concerned with appropriate tests. The reason for the study, which is long, time-consuming, complicated and expensive, should be justified doubts as to the efficiency of the memory of the person to be examined.
Differentiation of dementia and disturbances of consciousness
Much attention is devoted to the differentiation of dementia and disorders of consciousness because the disturbances of consciousness often accompany dementia. Difficulties in differentiating between these pathologies result from certain features. Disturbances in mental performance are in the foreground in both of them, they may manifest themselves as disorders of memory, understanding, judging, counting, learning, using the already acquired messages, tendency to perseveration. In delirium, memory is disturbed more evenly, in dullness the memory of distant events is better, which means that the oldest memories last the longest).
Differences between delirium and dementia with consciousness disorders
Disturbances of consciousness
Stupor
Development
sharp
slow, progressive
Duration
hours, days, weeks
patch
Course
significant daily variation
chronically progressive
Awareness
changes waving
bright
Orientation
disturbances in time and place, at least periodically
disturbed depending on the depth of dementia
Mood
anxiety, irritability
variable, dull, but usually without fear; Depression at the beginning
Thinking disorder
frequent delusions associated with hallucinations
falling fitness, lack of delusions in "pure" dullness, delusions associated with memory and orientation disorders (eg robbing)
Memory
immediate, short and long-term disturbed
short-term disturbed more than long-term
Disorders of perception
frequent illusions and hallucinations (most often visual, later auditory)
lack of "pure" dullness
The efficiency of the intellect
disturbed in many directions, good in periods of clear
permanent, progressive impairment
Dream
disturbed sleep-wake cycle (the setting sun)
less disturbed sleep-wake cycle
warning
usually significantly disturbed
less disturbed
Reversibility
reversible
irreparable
The need for great insight into the diagnosis of dementia is evidenced by the discussion that has been taking place for years around the so-called dementia of the passing.
Doctor of Medicine Janusz KrzyżowskiPsychiatrist
Private office tel. 22 833 18 68
00-774Warszawa, Dolna 4 lok. 15
