Aim. To investigate gender differences and evaluate their impact on functional and cognitive status, level of physical health and the prevalence of changes indicating geriatric syndromes in people aged 60-64 years old.

Material and methods. 250 men and 118 women aged 60-64 were examined. Sociodemographic factors, functional and cognitive status, health status, risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), the presence of NCDs and the prevalence of changes indicating geriatric syndromes were assessed.

Results. Among women there were more widows, single (without a partner) and single living, they were less likely to continue to work after retirement and more often had a low financial status. The prevalence of risk factors for NCDs and NCDs was high in both groups. The women were characterized by higher quantity of NCDs and polymorbidity index; they also took more drugs. Quality of live, nutrition status were lower in the group of women than men. More often depression was in the group of women. The prevalence of changes indicating geriatric syndromes was higher in women; they often used auxiliary means (glasses, a hearing aid, a cane, etc.).

Conclusion. In the group of women aged 60-64 years old changes in health status, physical and functional status, indicating geriatric syndromes are more common. Women are more vulnerable socially; their health is worse. Identified differences between women and men aged 60-64 years old should be taken into account when planning treatment and rehabilitation measures in people of this age category for better results.

The study of cognitive impairments (CI) began with a more severe form- dementia, which is usually the result of a long-running pathological process. It is preceded by non-demented cognitive disorders (including mild cognitive impairment syndrome — MCI), whose early detection increases the potential for therapeutic effects and even prevention of disadaptation as a result of dementia. The article reviews current publications on the problem of MCI. Special attention is paid to the diagnosis and treatment of this clinically heterogeneous syndrome. Historical issues of MCI studying are considered, modern principles of its classification and diagnostic criteria are given, and the main aspects of patient management are described. The results of a number of russian and international studies of MCI syndrome are described, including a comparison of these data among themselves.

Parkinson's disease is a multisystem neurodegenerative disease with damage to various neurotransmitters systems and a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders (NPS). NPS are typical manifestations of PD, occurring in most patients, and are the leading factors that reduce the quality of life. In this article, the epidemiology, clinical course, diagnosis, and management of some of the most common NPS symptoms in PD are discussed. The issues of combination, the presence of common structural and neurochemical pathophysiological mechanisms, and potential approaches to therapy were reviewed.

Bedside examination is undoubtedly important part of general investigation of elderly patients with vertigo and dizziness. The main purposes of such examination is to confirm the vestibular origin of vertigo, to find out where vestibular system has been damaged and to establish the extent of central vestibular compensation. Bedside examination for vestibular screening consists of an interview, analysis of spontaneous, gaze-evoked and positional nystagmus, Halmagyi head impulse test, vestibule-ocular reflex suppression test and Fukuda stepping test. These tests do not take a lot of time and for this reason can be recommended for neurologists, gerontologists and general practitioners in their everyday practice.

Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is a heterogeneous group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases associated with a predominant lesion of the frontal and/or anterior temporal lobes of the brain. FTD is at the fourth place in the list of causes of severe neurocognitive disorders in all age groups and at the second place among patients of presenile age (up to 65 years). FTD is a genetically determined disease. In 30-40%, there is a family history, which is characterized by an autosomal dominant type of transmission in up to 15% of cases. Usually FTD begins in the fifth or sixth decade of life, but a later onset is possible. The article discusses the main clinical variants of FTD. The behavioral variant of FTD accounts for more than half of the cases of FTD and is characterized by a combination of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional-affective symptoms, atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. In primary progressive aphasia (PPA), speech disorders are the most significant clinical symptoms for at least two years. The clinical features of PPA depend on the localization of the pathological process. The division into clinical variants of FTD is relevant only in the first years of the disease. In the future, the differences between them are erased, and the status may contain several clinical variants simultaneously. In the treatment of FTD, a comprehensive approach is presented, including symptomatic therapy, as well as non-drug treatments (educational program, psychological support, cognitive training, speech therapy). Accurate analysis of emotional and behavioral symptoms in FTD can help predict the course of the pathological process, optimize symptomatic treatment, and there by improve the quality of life of patients and their relatives.

The review discusses recent advances in neurobiological research, the treatment of post-stroke speech disorders, and improved patient management. It proves the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic and electrical brain stimulation methods in relation to the restoration of speech functions in aphasia. The possibilities and prospects of cell therapy of post-stroke speech disorders area also considered.

The stroke is linked to the high risk of the subsequent cognitive impairment. At the same time results of longitudinal studies suggest that in many patients main factor of post-stroke cognitive impairment is neurodegenerative changes, typical for Alzheimer's disease. Relationship of vascular and neurodegenerative components of post-stroke dementia is very complex and diagnostic of co-occurring Alzheimer's disease in stroke survivors is associated with severe difficulties. Differentiation of pure vascular and mixed dementia after stroke may be critical due to the additive and synergistic effects of vascular and neurodegenerative components associated with poorer prognosis and possible differences in effectiveness and tolerability of basic anti-dementia drugs. Presented clinical case illustrates modern methods of laboratory and instrumental diagnostics that facilitates the identification of concomitant Alzheimer's disease. Correlation of non-clinic data with specific neuropsychological pattern of possible concomitant Alzheimer's disease is shown. A close relationship of cognitive and other neuropsychiatric disorders in a patient who had a stroke is noted.

Cognitive disturbances are very frequent problems of the aged people. The review is dedicated to the modern methods of nonpharmacologic treatment of the predemention stage and mild dementia. There are data of reviews and meta-analysis of cognitive rehabilitation of the neurodegenerative and post-stroke cognitive disturbances. The mechanisms of brain neuroplasticity and the phenomenon of cognitive cerebral reserve are discussed. The relationship between effectiveness of the aerobic exercises and cognitive training is analysed and the influence of the hyppocamp blood supply on the cognitive reserve is also discussed.

In the 21st century, diabetes mellitus type 2 is considered among pandemics and has a serious medical and social significance in both developed and developing countries of the world. The increase in life expectancy of the population is also associated with an increase in the frequency of diabetes among the elderly. In this regard, new approaches are needed in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes in this age group. The clinical picture and treatment of diabetes in elderly patients has its own characteristics and specifics for a number of reasons. This review presents the results of Russian and international recommendations and research on the coverage of the problem of diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes in the elderly.