Cognitive Disorders

Cognitive Disorders

Cognitive disorders, also known as neurocognitive disorders, are a category of mental health conditions that primarily affect cognitive abilities including memory, attention, perception, problem-solving, language, and executive functions. While cognitive deficits can occur temporarily due to factors such as medication or other illnesses, a mental health diagnosis is typically made when the deficits become persistent and interfere with everyday functioning.

Common Types of Neurocognitive Disorders

Neurocognitive disorders typically fall into one of two categories: dementia or delirium.

• Dementia is a broad term used to describe gradual decline in mental function that is usually associated with aging.
• Delirium is a sudden decline in mental function that is generally caused by an underlying medical or psychiatric condition.

Common Cognitive Disorders

The most common types of neurocognitive disorders include:

• Alzheimer’s Disease: This is the most common form of dementia and is associated with progressive memory loss, confusion, impaired thinking, and changes in behavior.
• Vascular Dementia: This type of dementia occurs when the brain’s blood supply is disrupted by a stroke, which results in cognitive deficits such as memory loss, difficulty learning, confusion, and slowed thinking.
• Dementia with Lewy Body: This type of dementia is associated with abnormal deposits of proteins in the brain, leading to dementia-like symptoms such as fluctuating levels of alertness, hallucinations, and impaired movement.
• Frontotemporal Dementia: This type of dementia is associated with progressive deterioration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, resulting in behavioral changes, language difficulties, and movement disorders.
• Delirium: This is a sudden decline in mental status that is typically caused by an underlying medical or psychiatric condition. Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, changes in perception, and difficulty with attention and concentration.

Treatment for Cognitive Disorders

Treatment for cognitive disorders typically involves medications to help manage symptoms as well as psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In addition, the patient and their caregiver typically benefit from support services including counseling, education, and training to help cope with the disorder.