Diogenes syndrome: what is this syndrome from which the two victims of the apartment fires in Nice suffered?

During the night of Friday to Saturday, a first fire broke out on Rue Gambetta, resulting in the death of the occupant, a woman over seventy years old. The second fire, boulevard Comte-de-Falicon, took place the next day and resulted in the death of a 74-year-old man. (source 1) The two victims suffered from the same disorder: Diogenes syndrome. This behavioral disorder characterized by the accumulation of waste as well as by a excessive neglect of personal hygiene and of his living environment.

Can live in the middle of their own garbage cans, feces, magazines or used food wrapperspeople with this disorder remain impassive. The origin of this disorder is not yet well established, but a possible aggravating factor is that of social isolation. Affecting the elderly in particular because of their loneliness, Diogenes syndrome can appear more easily. Relationships are broken, difficult to maintain given the living environment of people affected by this disorder. Another factor may be involved in this complex syndrome, traumatic shock, often experienced in childhood: a divorce, a bereavement, a separation. (source 2)