Pseudodementia is a reversible cognitive disease that can appear in older adults with depression or anxiety, causing symptoms similar to those of dementia, such as frequent forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and slow thinking. Although temporary, the problem should be treated with caution, as it may indicate a propensity to develop full-blown dementia in the future.
According to psychiatrist Michel Haddad, of the Servidor Público Estadual (HSPE) Hospital in São Paulo, around 10% of elderly people suffering from depression show characteristic signs of pseudodementia, also called pro-dementia.
“These symptoms are more common than we think and indicate that the underlying disease is decompensated. With appropriate treatment, the pathology is reversible,” explains the specialist.
Main signs of pseudodementia
Among the most common symptoms are:
- Forgetfulness and memory loss;
- Difficulty concentrating and paying attention;
- Slowness in thinking and making decisions;
- Apathy and disinterest, which makes daily tasks difficult.
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The development of pseudodementia is often linked to a history of mood disorders or traumatic events, such as the loss of a family member, and can be worsened by a lack of emotional, financial, or social support.
Find out how to treat and prevent it in the report from Saúde em Dia, partner of Metropolises.
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