失智症是老年期产生的一种器质性脑症候群,主要为老年期发生智能逐渐衰退而引起社交及职业活动的障碍。原因不明,可能与基因遗传有关。其特征为中枢脑组织发生退化现象而形成脑萎缩。此外,一些社会、心理、环境的因素,如退休、失业、老伴及儿女离去等,也可促使老年失智症的发生。 Dementia is an organic brain syndrome that occurs in old age. It is mainly caused by the gradual deterioration of intelligence in old age, which causes social and professional activities. The cause is unknown and may be related to genetic inheritance. It is characterized by degeneration of brain tissue in the brain and the formation of brain atrophy. In addition, some social, psychological and environmental factors, such as retirement, unemployment, wife and children’s departure, can also contribute to the development of dementia in the elderly.