Major Neurocognitive Disorders- general

Question 1

list the 5 main cognitive components

Answer 1

1. attention
2. information processing
3. memory
4. visual perceptual processing
5. executive function

Question 2

define attention and explain its importance

Answer 2

ability to focus on certain aspects of the environment. Attention is the foundation for other cognitive processes. Without being able to attend, one cannot apply memory

Question 3

list the 5 types of attention

Answer 3

1. focused attention
2. sustained attention
3. selective attention
4. alternating attention
5. divided attention

Question 4

define focused attention

Answer 4

ability to consciously direct attention to something

Question 5

define sustained attention

Answer 5

ability to maintain direct attention for longer durations

Question 6

define selective attention

Answer 6

ability to filter stimulus, ability to do a task in spite of distraction

Question 7

define alternating attention

Answer 7

ability to switch between tasks

Question 8

define divided attention

Answer 8

ability to multitask (eg/ driving)

Question 9

define information processing

Answer 9

taking in information and creating meaning from it

Question 10

list and define the 3 components of information processing

Answer 10

1. speed- how quickly you can process information
2. capacity- how much information you can take in
3. control- how you select the information you pay attention to

Question 11

define ‘memory’

Answer 11

the ability to keep things in your mind and recall in the future

Question 12

define and give an example of immediate/working memory

Answer 12

information that is used immediately and then discarded.

eg/ counting change, dialing a phone number

Question 13

define and give an example of short term memory

Answer 13

memories within a 1-3 day timeframe

eg/ what you ate for breakfast yesterday

Question 14

define and give an example of long term memory

Answer 14

ability to recall history pertaining to ones self

eg/ location of childhood home

Question 15

define procedural memory and give an example

Answer 15

ability to remember sequential information.

eg/ dressing, brushing teeth, bathing

Question 16

define prospective memory and give an example

Answer 16

ability to remember something that is upcoming.

eg/ ability to remember we have a 513 exam coming up

Question 17

define and give an example of declarative memory

Answer 17

ability to remember facts

eg. the earth is round

Question 18

define visual/perceptual processing

Answer 18

ability to process, interpret, and act upon sensory stimuli.

Can show up as: issues with recognition, copying, agnosia, apraxia, proprioception ability compromised.

Question 19

define agnosia

Answer 19

inability to recognize familiar objects

Question 20

define apraxia

Answer 20

inability to coordinate/execute movements

Question 21

define executive functioning and the 2 areas of executive functioning.

Answer 21

the control center of the brain’s higher level skills.

area 1: organization- gathering and structuring information (planning, and sequencing)

area 2: regulation- evaluation and response selection (inhibition, decision making, reasoning, self control, emotional regulation)

Question 22

What is delirium?

Answer 22

Delirium is a worsening or change in a person’s mental state that happens suddenly (over 1-2 days)

Question 23

list 4 characteristics of delirium

Answer 23

1. it is a reversible and temporary state (usually due to an infection)
2. it has a very rapid onset
3. entails fluctuating symptoms
4. indicator of infection
5. most often affects the elderly, especially those with dementia
6. not a form of dementia