Neurocognitive Disorders Flashcards

Flashcards to review key concepts related to neurocognitive disorders

What are the three Neurocognitive Disorders listed in the DSM 5 - TR?

Delirium, Major Neurocognitive Disorder, and Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (Dementia)

What is a key feature of Delirium regarding attention?

A disturbance in attention, specifically a reduced ability to direct, focus, sustain and shift attention.

According to the notes, over what time period does Delirium typically develop?

Over a short period of time, usually hours to a few days.

What are the key diagnostic criteria for Delirium according to the provided notes?

Disturbance in attention and awareness, development over a short period with fluctuating severity, an additional disturbance in cognition, and the disturbances are not better explained by another condition.

Besides difficulties with memory and learning, what are the key Neurocognitive Domains affected in Neurocognitive Disorders, described in the lecture notes?

Complex attention, Executive functioning, Learning and memory, Language, Perceptual-motor, Social Cognition

Give examples of complex attention skills.

Sustained attention, divided attention, selective attention, and processing speed.

Name abilities associated with Executive Function.

Planning, decision making, working memory, feedback/error utilization, overriding habits, and cognitive flexibility.

What are the different types of memory?

Immediate memory, recent memory, and long-term memory.

What are the different types of language?

Expressive language and receptive language.

What are the subsets of skills within the Perceptual-motor neurocognitive domain?

Visual perception, visuo-constructional, perceptual-motor, praxis, and Gnosis.

Name the subsets of the Social Cognition domain.

Recognition of emotions and theory of mind.

What are the key criteria for diagnosing Mild Neurocognitive Disorder?

Evidence of modest cognitive decline and the cognitive deficits do not interfere with independence in everyday activities.

According to the materials, what distinguishes Major Neurocognitive Disorder from Mild Neurocognitive Disorder?

Major Neurocognitive Disorder has significant cognitive decline that interferes with independence in everyday activities.

Name a few of the conditions that the notes indicate may cause Major or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder.

Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal lobar degeneration, Lewy Body disease, Vascular disease, Parkinson’s Disease

Name conditions that can cause deterioration of cognitive abilities due to Cerebral Infection.

Cerebral Abcess, Encephalitis, Meningitis, Neurosyphillis, Prion (Mad Cow) Disease, Lyme Disease, HIV infection

What are some ways Neurocognitive Disorders mimic major depressive disorder?

Mood, memory, and reduced attention and concentration.

What are some of the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?

Minor memory problems and word-finding difficulties.

What are plaques and neurofibrillary tangles and how are they related to Alzheimer's disease?

Plaques (small, round beta-amyloid protein deposits outside the neurons) and neurofibrillary tangles (twisted protein filaments in the axon of the neurons). People with Alzheimer's disease have more of these than expected for their age.

What is meant by the term "cognitive reserve"?

The idea that some people may be able to compensate for Alzheimer's Disease by using alternative brain networks of cognitive strategies.

Which chromosomes are genetically linked to Alzheimer's Disease?

Chromosomes 19, 21.

What is the typical prognosis for Alzheimer's disease after diagnosis?

7-12 years.

What is the typical onset of Frontotemporal dementia and what makes it unique?

Typically begins in mid-to late 50’s & progresses rapidly; Memory is not severely impaired BUT there is a significant personality change.

What is Vascular Dementia and what is its cause?

Caused by a cerebrovascular disease e.g. strokes causing blood clots that impair circulation & result in death of neurons. Has a more rapid onset than other forms of dementia.

What are Lewy Bodies and how do they affect cognitive function?

Protein deposits called Lewy bodies form in the brain & cause cognitive decline. They are more likely to result in visual hallucinations and fluctuating cognitive symptoms.

Name screening tools for Neurocognitive Disorders.

Repeated Battery for Assessment of Neurocognitive Status (RBANS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Key Search test, Clock Face test, Mini Mental Status Examination

Name some components of the Mini Mental Status Examination.

Orientation, Registration, Attention and calculation, Recall, Language, Reading and writing, Three stage command, Construction

Name some of the elements of the Multidisciplinary Team of the Dementia Intervention Team in Malta.

Dementia Care Co-ordinator; Practice Nurse; Occupational Therapist

What are examples of psychological interventions for neurocognitive disorders?

Reality Orientation, Cognitive Stimulation, Reminiscence Therapy, CBT for depression in dementia, Group psychotherapy, Cognitive behavioral family intervention, Use of Keys to Emotional Growth (KEG) cards

What are common issues that caregivers face?

High rates of burden and psychological morbidity, social isolation, physical ill-health and financial hardship.