Neurocognitive Disorders

Question 1

How are neurocognitive disorders characterized?

Answer 1

cognitive deficits

Question 2

Cognitive deficits in neurocognitive disorders are developed prenatally and, or in early life. T/F?

Answer 2

False; they are acquired and represent a decline from previously attained level of functioning

Question 3

What are the 6 neurocognitive domains? Give examples for each

Answer 3

Complex attention: divided, selective attention
Executive function: planning, decision-making
Language: ID objects, word finding
Learning & memory: long-term memory, free recall
Perceptual-motor function: visual perception, p-m coordination
Social cognition: recognizing emotions, insight

Question 4

How does one become delirious?

Answer 4

caused by medical condition, substance intoxication or withdrawal, or being exposed to toxins

Question 5

How does delirium affect attention?

Answer 5

makes it hard to direct, sustain, and shift focus

Question 6

How does delirium affect awareness?

Answer 6

loss of orientation to environment and self

Question 7

What is criterion A for mild neurocognitive disorders?

Answer 7

modest decline from previous level of performance in 1 or more cognitive domains

Question 8

What is criterion B for mild cognitive disorder?
this is the main difference between Mild and Major

Answer 8

cognitive deficits do not interfere with independence in every day activities but might still need accommodations
ex: do not need help with paying bills, taking RX but do need help with learning and doing new tasks

Question 9

What is criterion A for major cognitive disorders?

Answer 9

significant decline in one or more cognitive domains from previous level of performance

Question 10

What is criterion B for major cognitive disorders?

Answer 10

cognitive deficits DO interfere with level of independence
ex: need help paying bils, taking Rx

Question 11

What are the steps for a diagnosis?

Answer 11

1. sx diagnosis (e.g, Vascular Dementia)
2. causative factors (impaired blood flow to the brain)

Question 12

Which cognitive domain has to be impaired in order to diagnosis as Alzheimer’s disease?
How many in total?

Answer 12

learning & memory
2; the second could be any other one

Question 13

Alzheimer’s has an _____ onset and a ______ progression.

Answer 13

insidious; gradual

Question 14

The presence of causative mutation in _____, _____, or _____ indicated by a ________ ________ & _______ ______ is found in Alzheimer’s disease.

Answer 14

APP
PSEN1
PSEN2
Family history
Genetic testing

Question 15

Who can inform of mild or significant decline in cognitive function?

Answer 15

self, knowledgable informant, clinician