Major Neurocognitive Disorder

About Major Neurocognitive Disorder

Major neurocognitive disorder is the DSM-5 term for the condition widely known as dementia. It involves a significant decline from a previous level of performance in one or more cognitive areas, such as complex attention, executive function, learning and memory, language, perceptual and motor abilities, or social cognition, which is serious enough to interfere with independence in everyday activities. DSM-5 also asks clinicians to specify the likely cause, such as Alzheimer disease, vascular disease, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal degeneration, Parkinson disease, traumatic brain injury and others. The condition becomes more common with increasing age but is not a normal part of aging. Changes in mood, behavior and personality often occur. Some causes are partly treatable or reversible, which is why careful assessment matters. Management includes medications for some types, treatment of contributing conditions, support for daily functioning and safety, advance care planning, and support for family caregivers.