Neurocognitive Disorders in Behavioral Health Patients
Memory Loss, Motor Control, Language and Learning
Neurocognitive disorders describe a group of conditions that weaken mental function. A patient isn’t born with cognition (or thinking) problems. More likely, they acquire it through the effects of aging and other medical problems that can lead to damage in the brain.
Cognitive conditions have complex symptoms, which vary from person to person.
Areas of the brain most affected by cognitive disorders include the cerebellum, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and medial temporal lobes, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Severe cognitive disorders in adults may include:
- Alzheimer’s
- Delirium and dementia
- Huntington’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Schizophrenia
Generally, some cognitive functions during normal aspects of aging may look like occasional forgetfulness or feeling off-balance. Development of major decline in patients can be severe enough to cause impairment in daily life, activities such as driving, eating or working.
Cognitive conditions can have complex, confusing symptoms
Adults with cognitive disorders often manifest other behavioral and emotional symptoms simultaneously, making psychiatric treatments much more difficult.
Patients with cognitive disorders may also develop:
- Apathy
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Impulsivity
- Emotional instability
- Major depression
Mental health research at Cambridge University in the UK says neurocognitive conditions are a category of disorders which centers around impaired brain function. Signs of brain dysfunction may include lack of attention, executive function, perceptual motor control and social interaction.
Cognitive impairments are acquired and may be caused by many things, such as a brain injury, substance abuse and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Cognitive functioning is a major health concern that affects the patient’s ability to live independently.
In certain cases, mental health issues may also include violent actions or other types of negative behaviors like stealing, according to the NeuroCognitive Research Institute (NCRI).
Common signs of cognitive dysfunction can include:
- Confusion
- Memory issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Vision problems
- Increased anxiety
- Agitation
- Trouble driving
Causes of neurocognitive disorders in adults
A person isn’t born with this kind of disorder and may get it through other medical conditions that lead to damage in the brain. Symptoms can come on suddenly and then disappear, or they may develop slowly and progressively over time.
Sometimes, a neurocognitive disorder can also impair physical movements. For instance, the patient may have trouble walking, maintaining balance or performing fine motor skills like buttoning a shirt.
Concussions and strokes. Location and extent of the damage can also affect symptoms. For example, a stroke on the left side of the brain can cause speech and language problems, while a stroke on the right side of the brain may impact short-term memory loss, according to NCRI.
Traumatic brain injury. Many things can influence cognitive disorders and the patient’s mental functioning, including a blow to the head or bleeding in the brain.
Meningitis and brain infection. Encephalitis, septicemia and other infections can cause severe neurocognitive conditions.
Degenerative conditions. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington’s disease are degenerative conditions that can involve decreased mental functioning over time.
Substance use. Drug or alcohol withdrawal or long-term drug addiction may decrease cognitive functioning, reasoning and thinking skills.
Certain medical conditions. Kidney or liver disease, vitamin deficiencies, metabolic abnormalities, some cancers – and cancer treatments – can interfere with optimal brain function.
Managing both daily symptoms and trying to prevent disease progression can be overwhelming. Strategies for boosting brain health and improving overall quality of life may include:
- Medication
- Surgery to repair the brain
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Speech and cognitive therapy
- Family and caregiver support
Contact Horizon Health
Call 800-931-4646 or complete an online contact form, and a member of the business development team will reach out.
Horizon Health has more than 40 years of behavioral health management experience for hospitals and mental health facilities. We partner with behavioral healthcare organizations, hospitals and healthcare systems to provide assessments, strategic guidance, operational insights and market intelligence.
