Neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) are a group of conditions that weaken your ability to think, remember, or do other mental activities. They’re caused by medical problems, including brain tumors, head injuries, or some kinds of cancer.
The signs and symptoms of the neurocognitive disorder can vary. They can come on suddenly and disappear, or they may develop gradually over time. Treatments can help manage symptoms or slow the progression of the disorder.
1. Memory Loss
Memory loss is one of the first signs that a person has a neurocognitive disorder. It may be a sign of mild cognitive impairment or a more serious disease, such as dementia. The main positive effects of Modvigil 200 help mild cognitive impairment and significant memory and cognitive enhancement as people age.
Your doctor can evaluate your memory loss by taking a medical history, doing a physical exam, and asking you questions about your mental ability. He or she may also do a test of mental function, such as a brain scan.
You will probably need to see a neurologist or geriatric psychiatrist, who will be able to diagnose the cause of your memory loss and recommend the best treatment options. Your doctor will also help you identify community resources and organizations that can help you cope with the symptoms of your disorder and slow its progress.
2. Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention deficit disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common neurocognitive disorders. It’s common in children and teens but can also affect adults.
Symptoms include problems with attention, organization, and memory. They may forget appointments or important dates, forget to turn in assignments at school, or misplace things. Artvigil 150 more to aid in enhancing learning and concentration for more difficult tasks than for simpler ones.
Risk factors for neurocognitive disorders include high blood pressure, diabetes, and vascular disease (such as heart disease or stroke). Depression late in life can lead to these disorders.
3. Agitation
Agitation is a common reaction to stress or a physical illness. However, if you feel agitated for no apparent reason or more frequently than normal it can be a sign of an underlying condition.
It may be due to a hormone problem, such as hypothyroidism, or it could be a sign of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. In rare cases, agitation can be caused by a brain tumor.
While most neurocognitive disorders are incurable, certain treatments and coping strategies can help you manage symptoms. These include staying as physically and socially active as possible, communicating more clearly and simply, and establishing rituals and calendars to limit disorientation.
4. Depression
Signs and symptoms of the neurocognitive disorder can include mood changes (depression), loss of interest in activities, lack of energy, irritability, difficulty thinking, sleeping problems, and more. Depression is a common mental illness that can affect your work and home life.
Your doctor will examine you for any signs of a physical health problem or medication side effects that could be contributing to your symptoms. He or she will also test your memory, attention, problem-solving skills, senses, balance, and reflexes.
Certain health conditions, like a vitamin deficiency or an infection, can affect your brain’s ability to function normally. Some can even be reversible, but others are not.
5. Dementia
Dementia is a general term that describes symptoms of brain damage that interfere with memory, thinking, and communication. It’s not a disease but a group of symptoms caused by several underlying conditions and brain disorders.
The risk of dementia increases as you age, especially after 65. It also is more common in those with a family history of the condition.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting about 10% of adults over age 65 and 50% of those older than 85. In this disease, abnormal proteins build up in your brain and disrupt communication between nerve cells.
Other types of dementia include frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. The symptoms of each type are different and vary from person to person.