Neurocognitive Disorders Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary distinction between neurocognitive disorders and intellectual disability?

  • Neurocognitive disorders are primarily genetic.
  • Neurocognitive disorders develop later in life. (correct)
  • Neurocognitive disorders affect only young individuals.
  • Neurocognitive disorders develop at birth.

Which term replaced 'organic mental disorders' in the classification of cognitive disorders?

  • Neurological disorders
  • Psychological disorders
  • Cognitive dysfunctions
  • Neurocognitive disorders (correct)

Which cognitive function is primarily impaired in individuals suffering from delirium?

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Spatial reasoning
  • Long-term memory
  • Language abilities (correct)

What is the most common population affected by delirium?

<p>Older adults (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant issue with the previous term 'organic' in describing certain mental disorders?

<p>It suggested all disorders had clear physiological causes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the DSM-5 categorize delirium compared to dementia?

<p>Delirium retains its unique classification. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive disorder does NOT usually involve a temporary state?

<p>Major neurocognitive disorder (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of patients in acute care settings experience delirium?

<p>10% to 15% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily characterizes major neurocognitive disorder?

<p>It's a gradual deterioration of brain functioning affecting multiple cognitive processes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of mild neurocognitive disorder?

<p>The ability to function independently with some accommodations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is agnosia in the context of neurocognitive disorders?

<p>The inability to recognize and name objects. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is commonly associated with irreversible neurocognitive impairment?

<p>Alzheimer's disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional changes might occur in individuals with neurocognitive disorders?

<p>Commonly experience delusions and emotional agitation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the risk of developing neurocognitive disorder change with age?

<p>It increases rapidly after the age of 75. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with neurocognitive disorders?

<p>Emotional stability and lack of change (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most significant challenges when implementing programs aimed at reducing delirium in hospitals?

<p>Availability of significant hospital resources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the predominant cognitive impairment observed in individuals with neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer’s disease?

<p>Impaired judgment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Euphoria (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cognitive deficits is characterized by difficulty in recognizing objects?

<p>Agnoisa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically exacerbates symptoms in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease later in the day?

<p>Fatigue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Alzheimer's disease was first described by which psychiatrist?

<p>Alois Alzheimer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of life is significantly impacted by neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Social and occupational functioning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common behavioral change in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Restlessness and agitation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurocognitive disorder is characterized by progressive memory impairment and behavioral issues first described in the early 20th century?

<p>Alzheimer's disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic brain injury?

<p>Difficulty planning complex activities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is at the highest risk for traumatic brain injury?

<p>Teens and young adults (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of neurocognitive disorder due to Lewy body disease?

<p>Vivid visual hallucinations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom noted in individuals with Parkinson's disease-related neurocognitive disorder?

<p>Speech in a soft monotone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals with Parkinson's disease is estimated to develop neurocognitive disorder after ten years?

<p>75% or more (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the neurocognitive disorder resulting from HIV described?

<p>Subcortical dementia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is often associated with neurocognitive disorder due to HIV infection?

<p>Impaired attention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do Lewy bodies play in neurocognitive disorders?

<p>They damage brain cells gradually. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of neurocognitive deficits, second only to Alzheimer’s disease?

<p>Vascular neurocognitive disorder (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive disturbances are associated with vascular neurocognitive disorder according to DSM-5?

<p>Declines in speed of information processing and executive functioning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate prevalence of vascular neurocognitive disorder in people aged 70 to 75?

<p>1.5% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the risk of vascular neurocognitive disorder differ between men and women?

<p>Men have a slightly higher risk than women (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the initial cognitive disturbance in Alzheimer’s disease from that in vascular neurocognitive disorder?

<p>Alzheimer’s disease starts with memory problems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hormone use and Alzheimer's disease is true?

<p>Research has shown mixed results regarding hormone use and Alzheimer's disease. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Pick’s disease related to?

<p>It damages the frontal or temporal regions of the brain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals with neurocognitive impairment is attributed to Pick’s disease?

<p>5% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of genetic inheritance pattern does Huntington’s disease exhibit?

<p>Autosomal dominant (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential cause of neurocognitive disorder due to prion disease?

<p>Infection by prions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive disturbance is NOT included in the DSM-5 criteria for substance/medication-induced neurocognitive disorder?

<p>Dyslexia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the public health response to the discovery of a new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

<p>A ban on beef exports from the United Kingdom (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated occurrence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the general population?

<p>1 in every million individuals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cognitive impairments is specifically defined as the inability to carry out motor activities despite having intact motor function?

<p>Apraxia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a known factor that can contribute to substance/medication-induced neurocognitive disorder?

<p>Prolonged drug use with poor diet (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What connects the new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease?

<p>Both are linked to prion proteins (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals experiencing delirium may die within a year?

<p>40% to 50% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common risk factor might increase susceptibility to delirium in older adults?

<p>Higher medication use (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interventions is effective in preventing delirium during hospital stays?

<p>Structured multidisciplinary interventions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a concerning ethical issue related to delirium research?

<p>Informed consent due to altered awareness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of delirium that can impact physical health?

<p>Falls and hip fractures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a trigger for delirium?

<p>Excessive exercise (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about delirium in children is true?

<p>It can occur due to high fevers or certain medications. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a preventive measure for delirium?

<p>Ensuring proper medical care (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of neurocognitive disorder cases is attributed to Alzheimer's disease?

<p>60% to 70% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of Alzheimer's disease does cognitive deterioration progress most rapidly?

<p>Middle stage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what age does Alzheimer's disease typically first appear?

<p>60s to 70s (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does higher education level impact individuals with Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Delays the onset of symptoms but correlates with rapid decline once symptoms appear (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hypothesis suggests that education creates a mental reserve to help cope with cognitive deterioration?

<p>Cognitive reserve hypothesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group is reported to have a higher prevalence of Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Women (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average survival time following an Alzheimer's diagnosis?

<p>4 to 8 years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is suggested to relate to a delay in the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms?

<p>Higher education levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is associated with neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic brain injury?

<p>Executive dysfunction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is at the greatest risk for developing neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic brain injury?

<p>Teens and young adults with excessive alcohol use (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of neurocognitive disorder due to Lewis body disease?

<p>Impaired attention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a motor problem associated with neurocognitive disorder due to Parkinson's disease?

<p>Slow body movements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of neurocognitive disorder due to HIV infection?

<p>Cognitive slowness and impaired attention (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the progression of neurocognitive disorder due to Lewy body disease?

<p>Symptoms develop slowly over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In individuals with Parkinson's disease, what percentage is estimated to develop neurocognitive disorder after surviving more than ten years?

<p>75% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common feature does neurocognitive disorder due to both HIV infection and Parkinson’s disease share?

<p>Presence of Lewy bodies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that differentiates mild neurocognitive disorder from major neurocognitive disorder?

<p>Experience of mild cognitive impairments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with major neurocognitive disorder?

<p>Inability to recognize familiar faces (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can lead to reversible neurocognitive impairment?

<p>Severe infection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cognitive functioning is typically first affected in individuals with neurocognitive disorders?

<p>Immediate memory for ongoing events (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional change is often observed in individuals with neurocognitive disorders?

<p>Delusions and agitation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the likelihood of developing neurocognitive disorders change with age?

<p>It increases rapidly after age 75 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major challenges in managing hospital programs for delirium?

<p>Inconsistency in targeting at-risk patients (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive function is typically preserved in individuals diagnosed with mild neurocognitive disorder?

<p>Independent living skills (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes vascular neurocognitive disorder from Alzheimer’s disease?

<p>Vascular neurocognitive disorder is caused by blocked or damaged blood vessels in the brain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals over the age of 80 are estimated to have vascular neurocognitive disorder?

<p>15% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive function is notably impaired in individuals with vascular neurocognitive disorder according to DSM-5 criteria?

<p>Speed of information processing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the risk of developing neurocognitive disorders among men and women?

<p>Men have a higher risk of vascular neurocognitive disorder compared to women. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does estrogen potentially play in relation to Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Estrogen use may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition characterized by damage to the frontal or temporal regions of the brain affecting personality and language?

<p>Frontotemporal neurocognitive disorder (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT true about Pick’s disease?

<p>It primarily affects memory first. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common hallmark symptom of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease?

<p>Memory problems as the initial cognitive disturbance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of offspring is likely to inherit Huntington’s disease from an affected parent?

<p>50% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a known risk factor that may lead to substance/medication-induced neurocognitive disorder?

<p>Prolonged drug use (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated prevalence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in individuals?

<p>1 in every 1,000,000 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the connection between mad cow disease and the new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

<p>Potential link identified (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which protein is responsible for causing damage in neurocognitive disorder due to prion disease?

<p>Prions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive disturbance is specifically defined as the inability to recognize objects despite having intact sensory function?

<p>Agnosia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What behavior prompted a ban on beef exports from the United Kingdom?

<p>Discovery of mad cow disease's transmission (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neurocognitive Disorders

A group of progressive conditions involving the gradual decline of cognitive functions.

Delirium

A temporary state of confusion and disorientation, impacting consciousness and cognition for several hours or days.

Major/Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

Progressive conditions involving a gradual decline in various cognitive abilities.

Organic Mental Disorders

A previous term for neurocognitive disorders, implying brain dysfunction or injury was involved.

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Cognitive Disorders (DSM-IV)

Conditions in DSM-IV that included impairment in cognitive abilities, like delirium or dementia, and sometimes also conditions like schizophrenia or depression.

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Delirium Prevalence

Delirium affects 10-15% of patients in acute care settings, such as emergency rooms, and is common in older adults, those undergoing medical procedures, cancer patients, and people with AIDS.

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Impaired Consciousness

A significant aspect of delirium, involving reduced awareness of surroundings and decreased alertness.

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Cognitive Impairment (Delirium)

Individuals with delirium experience difficulty concentrating, significant memory problems, and language issues.

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Major Neurocognitive Disorder

A gradual decline in brain function affecting memory, judgment, language, and cognitive processes.

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Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

An early stage of cognitive decline, causing modest impairments but allowing independent functioning with accommodations.

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Neurocognitive Disorder causes

Various medical conditions, drug/alcohol misuse, or infections can cause negative changes in cognition.

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Agnosia

Inability to recognize and name objects.

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Facial Agnosia

Inability to recognize familiar faces.

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Delirium and Neurocognitive Disorder

These disorders can coexist, but neurocognitive decline is typically gradual and widespread.

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Early Memory Impairment

Difficulty remembering recent events while recalling past events more easily.

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Emotional Changes in Neurocognitive Disorders

Common emotional changes include delusions, depression, agitation, aggression, or apathy related to mental decline.

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Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive neurocognitive disorder causing memory loss and other cognitive impairments.

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DSM-5

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, guiding the diagnosis of mental health issues.

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Cognitive Deficits

Problems with thinking, understanding, and remembering, becoming more significant over time.

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Memory Impairment

Difficulty with remembering new information and recalling previously learned details.

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Sundowner Syndrome

Increased agitation, confusion, and other behavioral problems in the late afternoon/evening in Alzheimer's.

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Aphasic Symptoms

Difficulty with language or communicating due to cognitive impairment, as in Alzheimer's disease.

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Progressive Memory Impairment

A gradual decline in the ability to remember information, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

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TBI-related Neurocognitive Disorder

This disorder occurs after a traumatic brain injury and includes symptoms like difficulty planning and memory problems lasting at least a week.

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Who's most at risk for TBI?

Teenagers and young adults, especially those who abuse alcohol or have lower socioeconomic status.

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Lewy Body Disease

A neurocognitive disorder caused by protein deposits called Lewy bodies that damage brain cells.

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Symptoms of Lewy Body Disease

Slow development of reduced alertness, vivid hallucinations, and motor problems like those seen in Parkinson's.

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Parkinson's Disease

A condition with motor problems like stooped posture, slow movements, tremors, and unsteady walking.

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Parkinson's and Neurocognitive Disorder

Around 75% of those with Parkinson's who survive for ten years develop neurocognitive disorder, a much higher rate than the general population.

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Neurocognitive Disorder due to HIV

Cognitive impairment caused by HIV itself, independent of other infections.

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Early Symptoms of HIV-related Neurocognitive Disorder

Slow thinking, poor attention, forgetfulness, clumsiness, tremors, leg weakness, apathy, and social withdrawal.

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Huntington's Disease Inheritance

Huntington's disease is passed down through families as an autosomal dominant disorder. This means a person has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease if one parent has it.

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Prion Disease

A rare brain disorder caused by prions, abnormal proteins that replicate and damage brain cells, leading to neurocognitive decline.

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Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

A type of prion disease affecting only 1 in a million people, possibly linked to 'mad cow disease' (bovine spongiform encephalopathy).

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Substance/Medication-Induced Neurocognitive Disorder

Prolonged drug use, especially combined with poor diet, can damage the brain and cause neurocognitive impairment lasting beyond intoxication or withdrawal.

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Neurocognitive Impairment from Substance Use

This disorder involves memory problems and at least one of the following: difficulty with language, motor skills, object recognition, or planning/organizing.

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Neurocognitive Disorder due to Huntington's Disease

This disorder follows a subcortical pattern, meaning it primarily affects areas of the brain below the cortex.

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Autosomal Dominant Disorder

A genetic pattern where a single copy of a mutated gene is enough to cause the disease. 50% chance of inheritance from an affected parent.

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Mad Cow Disease

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a prion disease in cattle that may be related to a new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.

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Delirium's Lasting Effects

Delirium, once thought to be temporary, can have long-term consequences, with up to half of individuals dying within a year of experiencing it.

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Delirium as a Vital Sign

Medical experts are increasingly advocating for delirium to be considered a vital sign, especially in older adults, due to its serious implications.

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Factors Contributing to Delirium

Various conditions can trigger delirium, including drug intoxication, withdrawal, infections, head injuries, and brain trauma.

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Older Adults and Delirium

Older adults are particularly susceptible to delirium due to their increased medication use and decreased drug elimination efficiency.

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Delirium's Impact on Health

Delirium can lead to serious complications, including falls and hip fractures, often exacerbated by improper medication use.

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Delirium's Connection to Dementia

Delirium is frequently observed in individuals with dementia and can escalate the risk of mortality, especially in critical care settings.

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Delirium Prevention

Preventive measures for delirium focus on identifying susceptible individuals and addressing underlying medical conditions, drug use, and other risk factors.

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Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)

Structured multidisciplinary interventions, such as the HELP program, are highly effective in preventing delirium during hospital stays.

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Alzheimer's Prevalence

Alzheimer's disease affects about 60% to 70% of individuals with neurocognitive disorders, impacting over 50 million people worldwide.

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Alzheimer's Disease Progression

Alzheimer's disease progresses slowly in the early and late stages, but more rapidly during the middle stages.

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Early Detection of Alzheimer's

Early detection is crucial for Alzheimer's because it allows for early intervention, which has the greatest impact on slowing down the disease.

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Education and Alzheimer's

Higher education levels might delay the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms but may not prevent the disease. However, individuals with higher education levels may experience a more rapid decline once symptoms become severe.

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Cognitive Reserve Hypothesis

The cognitive reserve hypothesis suggests that mental activity, such as education, builds up a reserve of synapses, which can protect against Alzheimer's disease.

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Alzheimer's and Women

Research indicates that Alzheimer's disease may be more prevalent among women, with estrogen potentially playing a protective role against the disease.

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Typical Age of Alzheimer's Onset

Alzheimer's disease typically appears during the 60s or 70s, although it can occur earlier, sometimes referred to as early onset, during the 40s or 50s.

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Survival Time with Alzheimer's

The average survival time with Alzheimer's is about 4 to 8 years. However, many individuals may live dependently for more than 20 years.

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Who's at Risk for TBI?

Teenagers and young adults are most at risk for TBI, particularly those who misuse alcohol or have a lower socioeconomic status.

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Subcortical Dementia

A type of dementia that primarily affects the inner areas of the brain, below the outer layer called the cortex. This is common in neurocognitive disorders like Parkinson's and HIV infection.

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Estrogen and Alzheimer's

Studies on estrogen use and its effect on Alzheimer's disease have produced mixed results, with some suggesting a possible increased risk.

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Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder

A progressive brain disorder caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain, leading to cognitive decline. It's a common cause of neurocognitive disorders, second only to Alzheimer's disease.

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Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder Symptoms

Common symptoms include slowed information processing, problems with executive functioning (like decision-making), and varying cognitive deficits depending on the areas of the brain affected.

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Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder Prevalence

It affects about 1.5% of people between 70 and 75 years old, significantly increasing to 15% for those over 80. Men are slightly more at risk than women.

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Frontotemporal Neurocognitive Disorder

A broad term for various brain disorders affecting the frontal and temporal lobes, impacting personality, language, and behavior.

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Pick's Disease

A rare neurological condition, affecting about 5% of cases of neurocognitive impairment, that produces symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease.

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Other Medical Conditions and Neurocognitive Disorder

A range of medical conditions can cause neurocognitive disorders, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying health issues in cognitive decline.

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Alzheimer's vs. Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder

Alzheimer's disease primarily affects memory initially, while vascular neurocognitive disorder typically involves problems with speed of processing and executive functioning.

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What is 'Mad Cow Disease'?

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a prion disease in cattle that may be related to a new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.

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Estrogen's Effect on Alzheimer's

Research on the connection between estrogen use and Alzheimer's disease has shown mixed results, with some studies suggesting an increased risk.

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Prevalence of Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder

The prevalence of vascular neurocognitive disorder increases with age, affecting about 1.5% of people between 70-75 years old and 15% of those over 80. Men are slightly more at risk than women.

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Impact of Damaged Brain Vessels

When blood vessels in the brain are damaged, they can't carry oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death and cognitive decline.

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What causes Neurocognitive Disorders?

These disorders can arise from various medical conditions, drug or alcohol misuse, or even infections. Some causes are reversible, while others, like Alzheimer's, are permanent.

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Prevalence of Neurocognitive Disorders

Neurocognitive disorders affect a significant number of people worldwide. While they can occur at any age, they are more common in older adults, with the risk increasing dramatically after age 75.

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Study Notes

Neurocognitive Disorders

  • Neurocognitive disorders develop later in life, unlike intellectual disability and specific learning disorders.

  • Two main categories: delirium (temporary confusion) and mild/major neurocognitive disorder (progressive decline).

  • Delirium is characterized by impaired consciousness and cognition (several hours/days).

  • Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, and memory/language problems.

  • Commonly affects older adults, those in acute care settings, those with AIDS, and those undergoing medical procedures.

  • Can have lasting effects, with high mortality risk.

  • Major neurocognitive disorder (dementia) is characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, judgment, language, and other higher-level cognitive processes.

  • Mild neurocognitive disorder is a new category (DSM-5) focusing on early cognitive decline.

  • Can be caused by various medical conditions, substance abuse, or other factors.

  • Delirium and neurocognitive disorder aren't mutually exclusive; they can co-exist.

Alzheimer's Disease

  • First described by Alois Alzheimer in 1907.
  • Characterized by progressive cognitive decline, particularly memory, orientation, judgment, and reasoning.
  • Individuals experience difficulty integrating new information, forgetting important events/misplacing objects, and decreased interest in non-routine activities.
  • Progression can lead to agitation, confusion, depression, and/or combative behavior.
  • Early stages (memory impairment) and later stages (more severe cognitive decline) are noted.

Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder

  • Common cause of neurocognitive deficits.
  • Caused by blocked/damaged blood vessels in the brain.
  • Impairs blood flow, potentially damaging multiple areas.
  • Profile of degeneration (cognitive impairments) varies among individuals.
  • Prevalance higher in older adults, the risk being slightly higher in men, compared to Alzheimer's.

Other Medical Conditions Contributing to Neurocognitive Disorder

  • Frontotemporal neurocognitive disorder (FTND): broadly defined disorder impacting frontal/temporal regions.
  • Pick's disease: rare neurological condition with symptoms similar to Alzheimer's.
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI): symptoms persist past one week with impairments like executive function, and/or learning and memory.
  • Lewy body disease: results in protein deposits harming brain cells associated with motor problems, visual hallucinations, and impaired alertness.
  • Parkinson's disease: often precedes or accompanies neurocognitive disorder in 75% of cases.
  • HIV infection: causes cognitive slowness, attention impairment, clumsiness, and repetitiveness.

Substance/Medication-Induced Neurocognitive Disorder

  • Prolonged substance use (especially combined with poor diet) can damage the brain and lead to neurocognitive decline.
  • Symptoms can persist beyond substance use.
  • Impairments can include memory, aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, and executive function.

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Neurocognitive Disorders PDF

Description

Explore the different types and symptoms of neurocognitive disorders, including delirium and dementia. This quiz covers their characteristics, causes, and impact on older adults. Understand the progression and significance of these disorders in cognitive health.

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