[서울와이어 이재형 기자] #. Mr. A, a 65-year-old man who lives in Incheon, has lost his property several times since several months ago and often gets confused between the names of his grandson and his granddaughter. My symptoms have gotten worse recently, so I wonder, ‘Maybe I have dementia?’ I went to the hospital with my son with the fear of doing that. As a result of the psychiatric examination, Mr A was diagnosed with dementia and depression. Depression is an unexpected disease, and it is currently being treated with drugs such as taking antidepressants.
According to the Central Dementia Center in 2020, the prevalence of dementia in the elderly population aged 65 or over nationwide is estimated to be around 10.3%. We think we know it as well as it is common, but it can be confused with other diseases with similar symptoms. Diseases such as dementia and depression can miss the appropriate treatment time if not properly diagnosed. In response, Yoon Hyeon-chul, professor of mental health medicine at Soonchunhyang University’s Bucheon Hospital, looked into mental illnesses to be aware of in old age.
According to Professor Yoon, dementia is accompanied by various symptoms such as memory loss, cognitive/executive functioning and orientation (the ability to accurately recognize time, place, situation or environment), depression, and hallucinations.
He said, “There are cases where a diagnosis is left undiagnosed based on old age and the main symptoms of dementia.” You have to have it,” he emphasized.
Forgetfulness is a disease that can be confused with dementia. It’s natural to have some forgetfulness as you get older, but if it’s repeated more than 2-3 times a week, it’s a good idea to get tested. Also, if you don’t remember anything about a conversation you had in the past when you talk to someone around you, it could be a red flag.
Depression is also one of the diseases to be particularly careful during old age. Depression in old age often complains of physical symptoms as well as depression. Symptoms include headache, indigestion, burning in the back and limbs, and inability to sleep due to shaking.
Professor Yoon said, “In old age, there are many factors that can lead to depression, such as not being physically active and losing family or acquaintances.” You can doubt that,” he said.
The way to treat depression in old age is regular medication, exercise, and a regular life. For drug treatment, consult a psychiatrist and take antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleeping pills. It is also important to maintain relationships with people around you, such as family and friends.
Professor Yoon said, “There are often cases where antidepressants are stopped without consulting a psychiatrist. It is good to decide whether to take it or not,” he said.
