NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS: what they are, types, causes and treatment

Suddenly, something in the world has changed. The memories begin to be diffuse, you do not know precisely certain important dates, it is difficult pay attention to certain situations and find it difficult to find the words to express a idea. It is understandable that this can happen to us in the course of everyday life if we find ourselves going through a situation that generates stress and/or anxiety.

Why is this happening to me? Why is it happening to me now? You have probably asked yourself these kinds of questions if you feel that something of this is happening to you. These difficulties can scare us, since we do not know the reasons that cause them, but knowing with greater precision and detail, this type of problem can be useful to address situations complex. In this Psychology-Online article, we will provide you with information about the Neurocognitive disorders: what they are, types, causes and treatment.

Index

1. What are neurocognitive disorders
2. Types of neurocognitive disorders
3. Causes of neurocognitive disorders
4. Symptoms of neurocognitive disorders
5. Treatment of neurocognitive disorders

Neurocognitive disorders correspond to affections which are located in various areas of the brain responsible for mental functions such as memory, language, attention, learning or thought, among others. Generally, neurocognitive disorders can occur in older adults, although the truth is that these difficulties can also appear in young people at an early age.

It is important to differentiate the types of neurocognitive disorders in order to establish a classification clear about the characteristics of each one. This is crucial given the seriousness of existing conditions according to each pathology, as well as the approach to each of them.

According to the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-V^[1]Neurocognitive treatments fall into three categories:

• delirium: this disorder corresponds to a confusional state in which there are alterations in consciousness, language or attention, among others. In turn, one of the main characteristics is the presence of hallucinations.
• Minor neurocognitive disorder: represents a mild cognitive deficit with respect to a person's cognitive abilities.
• Major neurocognitive disorder or dementia: greater cognitive impairment occurs that directly interferes with the person's daily activities.

Once we have seen the categories, we show you which are the most frequent neurocognitive disorders:

• Parkinson's disease: it is a neurodegenerative disease that alters the capacity of movement that a person can perform. In addition, it gradually affects the different areas of the brain. In this article you will find more information about the symptoms and treatment of Parkinson's.
• Alzheimer disease: behavioral and cognitive impairment that occurs due to short-term and long-term memory loss. Like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's is a related neurodegenerative disorder of the brain. In this article, we tell you How to treat a person with Alzheimer's.
• vascular dementia: This type of neurocognitive disorder is linked to the destruction of certain areas of the cerebral cortex due to a blood blockage. This results in difficulties in brain function.
• Lewy body dementia: This is another neurodegenerative disorder that progressively alters brain activity. At a general level, those who suffer from this condition present visual hallucinations, body tremors and alterations in their movements.
• frontotemporal dementia: this clinical picture corresponds to brain alterations that directly affect the functioning of the frontal and temporal lobes. The effects of these difficulties consist of behavioral changes, alterations in language and behavior.

Understanding the possible origins of neurocognitive disorders may be of great interest in order to find effective methods to address these problems. In the following paragraphs, we will develop the causes of the most relevant neurocognitive disorders:

• Genetic factors: the alteration of certain genes present in people suffering from neurocognitive disorders has a direct implication with respect to the development of diseases. Similarly, genetic inheritance represents a transcendental fact, given that if a relative has presented a neurocognitive disorder, it is possible that the person also suffers from it.
• Comorbidities: the existence of an underlying organic disease can determine the development of a neurocognitive disorder. It is important to emphasize the clinical history of each patient in order to locate the origin of the pathology.

It is crucial to know the manifestations, both physical and emotional and behavioral, that arise from neurocognitive disorders. Next, we will explain the most important symptoms:

• behavioral alterations.
• Difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
• Memory loss, attention and concentration.
• Confusion.
• Anxiety.
• Apathy.
• Alterations in perception.
• Sleep problems.
• Language difficulties.

It is worth mentioning that the presence of any of these particularities does not necessarily imply a neurocognitive disorder. It is essential that the diagnosis be established by a professional of health in the area, in order to evaluate the clinical conditions of each patient.

Despite the difficulties that these pathologies entail, at present, there are a series of Treatments available to deal with the symptoms of the different disorders neurocognitive. Next, we will locate the most effective treatments:

• Pharmacotherapy: this type of approach consists of ingesting medications that act on the neuronal connections of the cerebral cortex. In this way, improvements in the patient's quality of life are produced.
• Physiotherapy: This treatment consists of the development of the patient's body mobility, balance and strength. This procedure is effective against pathologies that imply difficulties in coordination.
• Psychotherapy: therapy can help improve the patient's communication area through various strategies that aim to build resources in certain situations.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Neurocognitive disorders: what they are, types, causes and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of neuropsychology.

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) Arlington: Pan American Medical Publisher.

• Tello-Rodríguez, T., Alarcón, R., Vizcarra-Escobar, D. (2016). Mental health in the elderly: Major neurocognitive, affective and sleep disorders. Rev PeruMed Exp Public Health, 33 (2), 342-350.