Module 14 - Neurocognitive Disorders

What are Neurocognitive Disorders (NCD's)

A group of conditions characterized by acquired deficits in cognitive function, meaning a decline from a previously achieved level of functioning

What distinguishes NCD's from Neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders happen at a young age and impact the trajectory of brain development

What are examples of NCDs

MND, Alzheimers, delirium

What are the 6 diagnostic criteria's for NCDs

Complex attention, executive function, learning and memory, language, perceptual motor, social cognition

What is delirium

A notable disturbance in attention and a reduced awareness of ones environment which typically develops over a short period.

What is Major Neurocognitive Disorder

Also known as dementia, is a significant decline in one or more of the six cognitive domains

What is Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

A modest decline in cognitive functioning. Similar to MND, but not as bad and a patient is able to live alone

What is Alzheimer's disease

a progressive impairment in cognition, particularly memory.

What parts of the brain are affected in alzhiemers

beta-amyloid plaques which cover neurons, and neurofibrillary tangles

What genetics are implicated in alzhiemers

The apolipoprotein E genem which reduces the clearance of beta-amyloid

What is the neurobiology of alzhiemers

the disease affects the hippocampus and the amygdala, while also affecting dopamine and glutamate

What is a traumatic brain injury

When significant trauma occurs to the head, causing cognitive impairment immediately after the injury.

What is a concussion

a type of TBI which results from a significant blow to the head

What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy

A progressive, degenerative condition caused by repeated head trauma

What is substance induced NCD

A neurocognitive disorder which results from repetitive drug and alcohol abuse

What are lewy bodies

irregular brain cells resulting from the buildup of abnormal proteins in the nuclei of neurons.

What is frontotemporal NCD

a decline which affects either behaviour and personality or language ability, while sparing learning and memory

What is the behavioural variant of FTNCD

loss of empathy and compulsive behaviours

What is the language variant of FTNCD

decline in speech production

What is parkinsons disease

A disease defined by four main motor symptoms: tremors, rigidity, slowness in movement, impaired balance

What is HIV induced NCD

cognitive decline from an untreated HIV infection

What pharmacological treatments are available for alzehiemers

medications which target acetlycholine and glutamate

What psychological interventions are available to NCDs

cognitive strategies like mentally stimulating activities, or behavioural strategies, like breaking down tasks into smaller steps