[Self-neglect in older adults--a complex problem].
A 76-year-old man presented at the emergency department with functional decline and extreme self-neglect. He died after a few days. The probable cause of death was pneumonia. His family consented to autopsy. Surprisingly, the neuropathological findings showed a tauopathy consistent with fronto-temporal dementia. Self-neglect in the elderly is a common and complex problem associated with high mortality and morbidity. This syndrome requires a thorough workup to detect possible causes. The most common etiologies are neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric illness and alcohol abuse. It is important to elucidate the cause of self-neglect in order to give the proper treatment and support to the patient and family.
Reesink
Fransje E
FE
VU Medisch Centrum, afd. Neurologie, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. f.reesink@vumc.nl
Boelaarts
Leo
L
Weinstein
Henry C
HC
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D002423:Cause of Death; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008297:Male; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000592:standards*