Open AccessNeuropsychology and differential diagnosis in cognitive declines and demoralprocesses in the elderly
Author(s) -
Maria Luzinete Alves Vanzeler
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
núcleo do conhecimento
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2448-0959
DOI - 10.32749/nucleodoconhecimento.com.br/psychology/cognitive-declines
Subject(s) - neuropsychology , dementia , dementia with lewy bodies , psychology , cognition , frontotemporal dementia , lewy body , psychiatry , neuropsychological assessment , clinical psychology , disease , differential diagnosis , medicine , pathology
In order to review the literature on cognitive decline in aging, normal and pathological and the role of neuropsychological evaluation in the differential diagnosis of these declines, a search was conducted in specialized textbooks, neuropsychological evaluation manuals and indexed scientific articles (in capes, lilacs, pubmed, mediline and scielo and academic Google journals), the review was conducted in November and December 2019. The study gathered information about cognitive deficits in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment (CLC) and different types of dementia, such as: Alzheimer's disease (AD); Frontotemporal dementia (FTD); Dementia with Lewy corpuscles (DCL); Vascular dementia (DV); Mixed dementia (AD/dv); dementias associated with other neurodegenerative disorders; infectious dementias and reversible dementias. The importance of neuropsychological evaluation was verified as a diagnostic tool, using resources such as: interviews, behavioral observations, batteries of screenings and specific tests (exclusive use of the psychologist). Neuropsychological evaluation characterizes dementia as a progressive deficit in cognitive function, with impaired memory from the initial phase, which impairs social and occupational activities. In addition, neuropsychological evaluation can identify situations in which there is the possibility of reversal, primary and sequelal conditions and also guide therapy and indicate prognosis.