Neurocognitive Disorders Lecture 13

Brain Functions and Cortical Domains

• Human brain functions are categorized into six major cortical domains.
• Attention is crucial; without it, other examinations cannot be conducted.
• Language involves both verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Memory includes short-term and long-term retention of information.
• Visuospatial abilities relate to perception and understanding space and dimensions.
• Executive function is essential for decision-making and management of tasks.
• Social cognition influences interpersonal interactions and understanding social cues.

Causes of Brain Disorders

• Brain disorders can arise from multiple factors, including:
  • Infections
  • Vascular disorders
  • Trauma or injury
  • Metabolic issues
  • Aging-related changes
  • Tumors

Dementia Types

• Dementia is primarily classified into two types:
  • Vascular Dementia (VAD)
  • Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia Definition and Diagnosis

• Dementia represents a decline in cognitive abilities compared to previous levels.
• A decrease in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is a key indicator of dementia.
• The DSM-V provides specific criteria for diagnosing dementia, highlighting genetic factors and amyloid protein involvement.
• Subjective Cognitive Decline indicates a patient’s concerns about memory despite normal medical evaluations.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

• MCI involves memory complaints without significant disruption in ADL.
• Patients with MCI are advised to engage in cognitive stimulation activities instead of pharmacological intervention.

Post-Traumatic Amnesia (PTA)

• PTA follows a traumatic brain injury, leading to confusion and an inability to recall recent events.
• Key symptoms include memory loss of the present, agitation, confusion, and disorientation.

Amnesia Overview

• Amnesia is characterized by impaired memory, either partial or total.
• Causes can be organic (e.g., head trauma) or psychological, often affecting the hippocampus.
• Types of amnesia may include different forms regarding memory retention capabilities.

Hematomas from Head Trauma

• Epidural Hematoma (EDH) occurs due to blood accumulation in the epidural space, typically from arterial rupture.
• Symptoms may include the "lucid interval," where the patient briefly appears well before deteriorating.
• CT scans show hyperdense, biconvex images indicating EDH.

Subdural Hematoma (SDH)

• SDH is the accumulation of blood between the dura mater and arachnoid layer, more common than EDH.
• CT scans of SDH can show a crescent-shaped mass, and subtypes depend on the stage of blood density: acute, subacute, or chronic.
• Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) may signal worsening conditions, requiring surgical intervention.

Symptoms and Assessment of Balance Disorders

• Vertigo is the false sensation of movement, often perceived as spinning, without actual movement.
• Dizziness relates to spatial disorientation without the perception of movement.
• Vestibulo-visual symptoms include external vertigo manifestations like oscillopsia and motion-induced blurring.
• Postural symptoms indicate imbalance, where stability is compromised, possibly due to vestibular disorders.

Gait and Movement Disorders

• Gait disturbances may present as wide-based walking or tremors.
• Clinical assessment focuses on identifying the nature of balance and coordination disruptions, helping determine underlying issues.

This quiz covers the key concepts from Lecture 13 on neurocognitive disorders, focusing on sensorik and motorik functions within the human brain. Explore the six cortical domains and their significance in cognitive health, especially attention and dementia.