Neurocognitive disorders are a group of conditions that frequently lead to impaired mental function. Organic brain syndrome used to be the term to describe these conditions, but neurocognitive disorders are now the more commonly used term.
Neurocognitive disorders most commonly occur in older adults, but they can affect younger people as well. A reduced mental function may include:
• problems with memory
• changes in behavior
• difficulty understanding language
• trouble performing daily activities
These symptoms may be caused by a neurodegenerative condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Neurodegenerative diseases cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time, resulting in a gradual loss of neurological function. Neurocognitive disorders can also develop as a result of brain trauma or substance abuse.
