Neurocognitive impairment, also known as dementia, is a degenerative condition that affects memory, reasoning, and behavior. Diagnosis involves physical and neurological tests, and treatment includes drug therapy and support groups. If left untreated, dementia can lead to a loss of independence and safety.
Neurocognitive impairment is a serious condition characterized by the progressive loss of one’s mental faculties over time. Often known simply as dementia, the signs of neurocognitive impairment are not limited to memory loss alone. Individuals often experience difficulties articulating and processing information, as well as behavioral and interpersonal difficulties. Treatment for dementia depends entirely on the symptoms and usually involves drug therapy.
A complete physical examination and history are essential to confirm that neurocognitive impairment is occurring. Individuals who have difficulty processing information are given a series of tests to assess their intellectual abilities, including language, reasoning and memory skills. Psychiatric and laboratory tests may also be conducted. It’s not uncommon for some neurological tests, including brain imaging tests, to be done to rule out other conditions, such as stroke or cancer.
The changes in brain chemistry that contribute to dementia symptoms are often irreversible. Considered a degenerative condition, neurocognitive impairment can be triggered by an underlying condition, such as HIV/AIDS and Parkinson’s disease. It’s also possible that physiological changes within the brain, including arterial narrowing and loss of nerve function, cause dementia. The best known form of neurocognitive impairment is Alzheimer’s disease, which primarily affects reasoning and memory.
Individuals with neurocognitive impairment may not show any pronounced symptoms at first. While memory loss is one of the classic signs of dementia, it’s not the only sign. As brain function deteriorates, people have difficulty articulating their thoughts and are unable to properly process and retain information. The inability to express yourself can lead to frustration and behavioral problems that affect social situations and interpersonal relationships. As brain function continues to decline, some people experience hallucinations, paranoia, and personality changes.
If signs of dementia are ignored, the individual’s independence and safety are often compromised. Individuals with neurocognitive impairment gradually lose the ability to care for themselves. It’s not uncommon for dementia to cause you to forget to shower, eat, or take your medication. If one loses the ability to communicate, it further complicates one’s situation. During the later stages of dementia, it is often necessary for a third party to intervene to assist the individual.
Initially after a diagnosis, treatment for dementia involves drug therapy to slow the progression of the disease. In order to manage one’s symptoms, medications designed to regulate brain chemistry, such as cholinesterase inhibitors such as Aricept, are often prescribed. Depending on your condition, you may also be given antidepressant medications. Individuals with dementia and their families are often encouraged to join a support group to educate them about the condition, build a support network, and promote healthy coping skills.
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