Neurocognitive Disorders Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to neurocognitive disorders as discussed in the lecture notes.

Cognitive Disorders

Disorders that primarily affect one or more cognitive domains like attention, memory, language, etc.

Delirium

An acute decline in attention and awareness, characterized by fluctuating levels of cognition.

Cognitive Domains

Categories of cognitive functions including complex attention, learning, memory, language, perceptual-motor function, executive function, and social cognition.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

A clinical presentation that indicates the presence of a neurodegenerative disorder without significant impairment in daily activities.

Alzheimer Disease

The most common form of dementia characterized by progressive cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

A group of disorders related to progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

A chronic condition caused by thiamine deficiency, typically associated with chronic alcohol use.

Neurodegeneration

The progressive deterioration of the structure and function of the central nervous system.

Neuroimaging

The use of imaging techniques to visualize the structure and functioning of the brain.

Amyloid Beta Protein

A protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, contributing to neurodegeneration.

Tau Protein

A protein associated with neurofibrillary tangles found in Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Behavioral Symptoms

Symptoms in dementia patients that include mood changes, anxiety, disinhibition, and agitation.

Mixed Dementia

A condition where multiple types of dementia coexist, such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

Non-cognitive symptoms such as mood swings, depression, agitation, and behavioral disturbances associated with dementia.

Biomarkers

Biological indicators, such as proteins or imaging results, that can signify the presence or progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s dementia.

Cognitive Reserve

The brain's resilience to neuropathological damage, influenced by education, occupation, and cognitive engagement.