They are defined by deficits in cognitive ability that are acquired (as opposed to developmental), typically represent decline, and may have an underlying brain pathology.
Neurocognitive disorders are described as those with "a significant impairment of cognition or memory that represents a marked deterioration from a previous level of function".
[2][5] Additionally, the term "neurocognitive" was added because these disorders most often have alterations/disfunction in neural physiology (i.e. amyloid plaque build-up in Alzheimer disease).
[4] Delirium can also be accompanied by a shift in attention, mood swings, violent or unordinary behaviors, and hallucinations.
[9] It is also a diagnosis which can be acquired during hospital stays, typically by elderly patients or those with risk factors of delirium.
[15] More recent systematic reviews have demonstrated the need for further, well designed research on the Mini-Cog and MoCA for evaluating cognitive decline and the development of clinical guidelines on their use in various settings.
Common potential causes of delirium include new or worsening infections (i.e. urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and sepsis), neurological injury/infections (i.e. stroke and meningitis), environmental factors (i.e. immobilization and sleep deprivation), and medication/drug use (i.e. side effects of new medications, drug interactions, and use/withdrawal from recreational drugs).
[6][14][18][19] Neurocognitive disorders can have numerous causes: genetics, brain trauma, stroke, and heart issues.
[citation needed] Ongoing psychotherapy and psychosocial support for patients and families are usually necessary for clear understanding and proper management of the disorder and to maintain a better quality of life for everyone involved; although older patients with major neurocognitive disorders usually require assistance with their daily activities leading to placement in long-term care homes.
[21][22][23] Speech therapy has been shown to help with language impairment, therefore improving long-term development and academic outcome.
[24] Studies suggest that diets with high Omega 3 content, low in saturated fats and sugars, along with regular exercise can increase the level of brain plasticity.
These studies have been very successful for those diagnosed with schizophrenia and can improve fluid intelligence, the ability to adapt and deal with new problems or challenges the first time encountered, and in young people, it can still be effective in later life.