Luzenne Jones BS PSYCH IV Clinical Psyc TTH (4:30pm-6:00pm) Miss Julieta Abordo

Mini Cases- Neurocognitive Disorders

Delirium
 How would a clinician assess possible causes of Jack’s delirium?

The very nature of the work of carpentry entails working in potentially dangerous environments
and surrounded by tools that could cause serious injury on a daily basis. An injury often seen in
carpentry is traumatic brain injury which may have occurred from falling objects, a slip and fall
accident, or any blow to the head can damage the brain. Delirium is an often temporary condition
displayed as confusion and disorientation and can be linked to head injury and brain trauma,
which suggest that Jack may have suffered at work.

 If you were one of Jack’s co-workers, how would you react to his change in behavior?

My first reaction would be to calm and reassure Jack to help alleviate his agitation and anxiety. I
can help Jack by encouraging him to get some rest and offer my comfort because I know that he
is in the midst of being in a disoriented and confused state.
Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type
 What symptoms would lead a physician to hypothesize Alzheimer’s disease rather than
other forms of cognitive impairment?

Characteristics found in dementia of the Alzheimer’s type include progressive memory

impairment both in recall and recognition. This can be differentiated from other forms of
cognitive impairment due to the fact that there is still the presence of normal motor speed,
coordination, and less severe mood.

 What kind of care will Ellen most likely require?

Ellen needs help in coping with her advancing deterioration and trying to delay onset of
symptoms to provide her a better quality of life. Some psychosocial treatments include providing
her with “memory wallets” that have printed declarative statements that can aid her memory and
cognitive stimulation. It is essential that Ellen’s caregiver develop a personal support plan for her
and always be patient.
Amnestic Disorder
 What symptoms point to a diagnosis of amnestic disorder due to head trauma?

Harvey had incurred the inability to recall previously learned information after suffering the head
injury from the car accident. If it is judged that the memory disturbance is a consequence of the
direct physiological effects of a general medical condition such as head trauma, then Amnestic
Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition is diagnosed. The development of memory
impairment is manifested by impairment in the ability to learn new information or the inability to
recall previously learned information.

 At what point would Harvey’s diagnosis be labelled “chronic”?

Harvey’s diagnosis of amnestic disorder due to head trauma is labelled chronic whenever
memory impairment lasts for more than 1 month.