What is Diogenes Syndrome? Thanks for asking!

Diogenes Syndrome is a behavioural disorder which mainly affects older adults. It’s also known as senile squalor syndrome, which is perhaps a more evocative name for what it entails. It happens when people neglect to take care of themselves, leading to poor personal hygiene and an extremely dirty or messy home. The unsanitary conditions in which these people live can lead to other health problems.

How could anyone get to live in such squalor?

Many people affected are totally unaware that anything is wrong with their home, or simply living in denial. Untrusting of others, they often live in isolation and may turn down offers of help from family or friends. They are compulsive hoarders, even keeping rubbish in their homes which can attract insects and rodents.

So their living situation may only come to light after they get sick or have an accident like a fall which results in them needing medical attention. In other scenarios, neighbours may investigate due to smells coming from the person’s home, or the building becoming infested with pests like cockroaches. Extreme cases have even seen fires or serious leaks due to the squalor of someone with Diogenes syndrome.

Wait a minute; who is Diogenes and what does he have to do with all this? Who is affected by this behavioural disorder? What’s the best way to help someone with Diogenes Syndrome? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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What is Diogenes Syndrome?