Chapter 15: Neurocognitive Disorders Flashcards
Neurocognitive disorders
A category of psychological disorders in which the primary symptoms is significantly reduced cognitive abilities, relative to a prior level of functioning; also referred to as cognitive disorders
Crystalized intelligence
A type of intelligence that relies on using knowledge to reason in familiar ways; such knowledgable has “crystallized” from previous experience
Fluid intelligence
A type of intelligence that relies on the ability to create novel strategies to solve new problems, without relying solely on familiar approaches
Stroke
The interruption of normal blood flow to or within the brain, which results in neuronal death
Aphasia
A neurological condition characterized by problems in producing or comprehending language
Broca’s aphasia
A neurological condition characterized by problems producing speech
Wernicke’s aphasia
A neurological condition characterized by problems comprehending language and producing meaningful utterances
Apraxia
A neurological condition characterized by problems in organizing and carrying out voluntary movements even though the muscles themselves are not impaired
Delirium
A neurocognitive disorder characterized by a relatively sudden disturbance in attention and awareness as well as distruption of at least one other aspect of cognitive functions
Dementia
A set of neurocognitive disorder characterized by deficits in learning new information or recalling information already learned plus at least one other type of cognitive impairment
Mild neurocognitive disorder
A neurocognitive disorder characterized by a modest decline from baseline in at least one cognitive domain, but that decline is not enough to interfere with daily functioning
Major neurocognitive disorder
A neurocognitive disorder characterized by evidence of a substantial decline in at least one cognitive domain, and impaired daily fucntining
Alzheimer’s disease
A medical condition in which the afflicted person initially has problem with both memory and executive function and which leads to progressive dementia
Neurofibrillary tangles
The mass created by tau proteins that become twisted together and destroy microtubles, leaving the neuron without a distribution system for nutrients
Amyloid plaques
Fragments of protein that accumulate on the outside surfaces of neurons, particularly neurons in the hippocampus
Vascular dementia
A type of dementia caused by reduced or blocked blood supply to the brain, which arises from plaque buildup or blood clots
Huntington’s disease
A progressive disease that kills neurons and affects cognition, emotion, and motor functions; it leads to dementia and eventually results in death
Information processing speed
(cognitive deficit in late-life depression) slow to respond or initiate behavior; incomplete grasp of complex information
Attention and concentration
(cognitive deficit in late-life depression) absentmindedness for daily activities, events, and appointments; tasks left incomplete; decreased attentiveness for reading or conversation
Executive function
(cognitive deficit in late-life depression) difficulty with calculating, sequencing, multitasking, and novel problem solving; inflexible behavior or thinking
Memory
(cognitive deficit in late-life depression) forgetfulness and absentmindedness, but should improve with prompts, cues, or memory aids
