What is a Neurocognitive Disorder?
A New Diagnostic Language Change Means Dementia Is No More.
A new diagnostic criteria for dementia have recently been published in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, Volume 5 (DSM-5).
The significant change is Dementia has been newly named major neurocognitive disorder (NCD) in the DSM-5.
According to Fighting Dementia,
these revisions incorporate the scientific knowledge and technological advances gained in recent times and reflect the current state of understanding regarding the detection and diagnosis of dementia and related disorders characterised by cognitive impairment.
The aim of the reclassification is to:
- reduce stigma associated with dementia
- bring diagnostic guidelines into line with current clinical practice. An attention has been applied to early stages of cognitive changes.
What is a Neurocognitive Disorder (NCD) and how does it translate to established terms?
Mild NCD is equivalent to mild cognitive impairment and to prodormal dementia. Where as major NCD is equivalent to dementia. are characterised by cognitive impairment as the. most prominent and defining feature of the condition.
“NCDs are characterised by cognitive impairment as the most prominent and defining feature of the condition. The term ‘cognitive’ broadly refers to thinking and related processes, and the term ‘neurocognitive’ was applied to these disorders to emphasise that brain disease and disrupted brain function lead to symptoms.” reports Fighting Dementia
It needs to be said, dementia is a term widely used in the community and among health professions.
Whilst we’ve noted a few clinicians start to use NCDs in their referral communication, dementia, is likely to be accepted and to be with us for some time.
A comprehensive fact sheet has been compiled by Fighting Dementia and you can download it here.
Living With Dementia
Caring for a loved one with dementia is not an easy task.
Occupational Therapy Brisbane will arrange for a registered experienced occupational therapist to visit the home, assess the needs of yourself and the person with dementia, and create a plan. We ensure that families have the knowledge, tools, and technology necessary to make their lives and the life of their loved one as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.
To speak with one of our senior therapists for free, we invite you to call 1300 783 200.
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