Slip syndrome, or when the elderly lose their taste for life

It is a little-known pathology that Dr Jimmy Mohamed tells us about in

on Europe 1, Thursday.

"Slip syndrome" can prove fatal for some older people.

And with the new confinement that began last night, it is even more important, according to him, to watch over our elders.

What is "slip syndrome"? 

This pathology was only very recently described by the French geriatrician Jean Carrié.

In 1956, he researched "the modes of death of old people in the hospice" and theorized a syndrome, which affects people over 70 years old.

Some people will let themselves go after any change in their life: a fall, surgery, death, infection or even a retirement home.

Slippage syndrome is ultimately about "letting oneself slide along for life", as if waiting for death.

This pathology is underestimated, but it remains rare: 1% to 4% of the elderly suffer from this pathology in an acute way.

>> Find all of Sans rendez-vous in replay and podcast here

What are the signs that should alert?

Those affected lose interest in life.

They refuse to eat, drink, discuss, talk, but also to take their treatment.

This will lead to deficiencies, sometimes even undernutrition, dehydration and some disorientation.

The evolution of the syndrome is very dangerous because in 80% or 90% of cases, people die when there is no care. 

Is it possible to treat yourself? 

Not really.

It is better to avoid the installation of this slip syndrome.

For this, you have to prepare for all the life changes that will accompany an elderly person.

Before an operation for a hernia or a prosthesis for example, it is necessary to explain the context well and that the person feels surrounded.

If we wait until the last minute, it's a disaster since we will have to act urgently and go through the hospital.