NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS

Progressive and persistent deterioration of cognitive

function (previously known as Dementia)
Types of Neurocognitive Disorders

• Alzheimer’s
• Huntington
• Lewy Body disease
• Vascular disease
• Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Repeated traumatic brain injury
What is Alzheimer's
Disease?

• A progressive and irreversible brain disorder that

affects memory, thinking, and behavior

• Caused by a severe cognitive impairment that

interferes with daily life
Symptoms
Memory Loss: Difficulty remembering recent events and information.

Cognitive Decline: Impaired thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

Language Problems: Difficulty finding words or understanding language.

Mood and Behavior Changes: Depression, anxiety, irritability, and changes in personality.

Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places or losing track of time.

Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks: Struggling with daily tasks like cooking or dressing.

Poor Judgment: Making poor decisions or displaying questionable judgment.

Withdrawal from Social Activities: Reduced interest in social interactions and activities.

Loss of Initiative: Reduced motivation to start or complete tasks.

Problems with Motor Skills: Difficulty with coordination and motor functions in later stages.
Causes and Prevalence

• Genetics
• Neuroinflammation
• Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles
• Environmental factors

Worldwide, at least 55 million people are believed

to be living with Alzheimer's disease or other
dementias, at 60+ years old
Treatment
• Medication
• Behavioral and Psychosocial Interventions:
 Cognitive Stimulation therapy, Reminiscence therapy, Reality Orientation therapy, and Occupational therapy

• Lifestyle changes
 Physical exercise, balanced diet, social engagement

• Supportive care and Assistance

 Full-time care, therapy for caregivers
What is Huntington’s
Disease?

• A rare and hereditary neurodegenerative

disorder that affects the brain

• Characterized by a progressive loss of

motor control, cognitive decline, and
psychiatric symptoms

• It is caused by a genetic mutation.

Symptoms

Cognitive Psychiatric
Motor Symptoms: Other Symptoms:
Symptoms: Symptoms:
• Involuntary • Cognitive decline, • Depression, anxiety, • Speech difficulties.
movements (chorea) including memory, irritability. • Swallowing
• Muscle rigidity and problem-solving, • Mood, personality, problems.
coordination and focus. and behavioral • Sleep disturbances
difficulties • Reduced ability to changes. and fine motor
• Impaired gait and multitask and stay difficulties.
balance. organized.
Causes and Prevalence
• Caused by a genetic mutation in the HTT gene, which
produces a protein called huntingtin
• The mutated huntingtin protein has an abnormal number
of repeated sequences, known as CAG repeats, the
strength of which decides the onset and severity of HD
symptoms
• Leads to the gradual degeneration of brain cells,
particularly in the basal ganglia and cortex

It is typically diagnosed in mid-adulthood, but it can develop

at any age. affects around 5–10 people in 100,000 worldwide.
Treatment

• Medication

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

• Psychological and psychiatric support

• Speech and swallowing therapy

What is Parkinson’s
Disease?

• A progressive and irreversible brain disorder that

affects memory, thinking, and behavior

• Caused by a severe cognitive impairment that

interferes with daily life
Symptoms
Memory Loss: Difficulty remembering recent events and information.

Cognitive Decline: Impaired thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

Language Problems: Difficulty finding words or understanding language.

Mood and Behavior Changes: Depression, anxiety, irritability, and changes in personality.

Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places or losing track of time.

Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks: Struggling with daily tasks like cooking or dressing.

Poor Judgment: Making poor decisions or displaying questionable judgment.

Withdrawal from Social Activities: Reduced interest in social interactions and activities.

Loss of Initiative: Reduced motivation to start or complete tasks.

Problems with Motor Skills: Difficulty with coordination and motor functions in later stages.
Causes and Prevalence

• Genetics
• Neuroinflammation
• Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles
• Environmental factors

Worldwide, at least 55 million people are believed

to be living with Alzheimer's disease or other
dementias, at 60+ years old
Treatment
• Medication
• Behavioral and Psychosocial Interventions:
 Cognitive Stimulation therapy, Reminiscence therapy, Reality Orientation therapy, and Occupational therapy

• Lifestyle changes
 Physical exercise, balanced diet, social engagement

• Supportive care and Assistance

 Full-time care, therapy for caregivers