Neurocognitive Disorders: What They Are, Types, Causes And Treatment

Neurocognitive disorders correspond to conditions which are located in various areas of the brain responsible for mental functions such as memory, language, attention, learning or thinking, 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 of the characteristics that each one presents. This is crucial given the severity 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 are divided into three categories:

• Delirium: This disorder corresponds to a confusional state in which alterations occur 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 deterioration occurs that directly interferes with the person’s daily activities.

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

• Parkinson’s disease: It is a neurodegenerative disease that alters a person’s ability to move. In addition, it gradually affects 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- 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 functioning.
• Dementia with Lewy bodies: 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 modifications, 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 who suffer from neurocognitive disorders has a direct implication with respect to the development of diseases. Likewise, genetic inheritance represents a transcendental fact, given that if a family member has had a neurocognitive disorder, it is possible that the person also suffers from it.
• Comorbidities: the existence of an underlying organic disease can condition 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, emotional and behavioral, that arise from neurocognitive disorders. Next, we will explain the most important symptoms:

• Behavioral alterations.
• Difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
• Loss of memory, attention and concentration.
• Confusion.
• Anxiety.
• Apathy.
• Alterations in perception.
• Sleep problems.
• Language difficulties.

It is worth mentioning that the presence of any of these peculiarities 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, currently, there are a series of treatments available to deal with the symptoms of different neurocognitive disorders. 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 occur in the patient’s quality of life.
• Physiotherapy: This treatment consists of developing the patient’s body mobility, balance and strength. This procedure is effective against pathologies that involve difficulties in coordination.
• Psychotherapy: Therapy can help improve the patient’s communication area through various strategies that aim to build resources in the face of certain situations.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor 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.

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