Dementia rises as Primorsky Krai's top mental health challenge for seniors

Dementia remains the most common mental health disorder among older adults in Primorsky Krai. The condition covers a range of symptoms, including memory loss and cognitive decline, often linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Many families now face the challenge of caring for loved ones whose personalities and abilities have changed over time. The term dementia describes a broad decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. While Alzheimer’s disease is the best-known cause, other conditions can also lead to similar symptoms. These changes usually appear in late middle age or after 60, though early signs may go unnoticed.

Short-term memory problems often serve as the first warning. Frequent lapses—such as forgetting recent conversations or misplacing items—can signal the need for medical attention. What some still call *senile dementia* refers to irreversible declines in memory, speech, and intellectual function tied to ageing. Yekaterina Kataeva, a psychiatrist at the Primorsky Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital’s First Psychotic Episode Unit, has noted the growing concerns among relatives. Many struggle to adjust when a family member no longer behaves or remembers as they once did. Natalia Sokolovskaya, reporting for PrimaMedia, recently highlighted these challenges in discussions with local health experts.

Recognising early signs of dementia can help families seek support sooner. Memory lapses and cognitive shifts, particularly after 60, should prompt a visit to a specialist. With dementia affecting more older adults in the region, awareness and medical guidance remain crucial for both patients and carers.