Alzheimer�s Disease
Neurocognitive Disorders
Neurocognitive Disorders develop much later than Intellectual disability and other learning disorders, which are believed to be present at birth. When the brain is damaged, the effects are irreversible, accumulating until learning, memory or consciousness are obviously impaired.
Neurocognitive disorder is a progressive and degenerative condition marked by gradual deterioration of a range of Cognitive abilities including memory, language, planning, organizing, sequencing and abstracting information.
Neurocognitive Disorders are further reviewed in two classes: Dilirium and Major or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder
About Alzheimer’s Disease:
It is a condition of increasing memory impairment and other multiple behavioral and cognitive deficits, affecting language, motor functioning, ability to recognize people or things, and /or planning. Alzheimer’s Disease is most prevalent neurocognitive disorder and is subject of most research.
CAUSES
? Progressive brain damage, evident in neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaque, confirmed by autopsy but assessed by simplified mental status exam.
? Involves multiple genes.
TREATMENTS
? No cure so far, but hope lies in genetic research and amyloid protein.
? Management may include lists, maps and notes to help maintain orientation.
? New medications that prevent acetylcholine breakdown and vitamin therapy delay but do not stop progression of decline.
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REFERENCE
David H. Barlow, BOSTON UNIVERSITY
V. Mark Durand, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA- ST. PETERSBERG
2. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY: 9TH EDITION
Davision G.C., Neale, J.M. and Kring, A.M.
3. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Allov. L.B.: Riskind, J.H. and Manos, M.J.
4. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY AND MODERN LIFE. NY: Harper and Collins. 2000
Carson. R.C. and Butcher. N.J.