What is Neurocognitive Disorder?
Neurocognitive disorder describes neurological conditions that occur as a result of damage to the brain's nerve cells and affect cognitive functions. These disorders can be mild or major and can impact an individual's independent living skills.
Primary affected areas:
- Memory and Attention
- Language (Speech and comprehension)
- Planning, organization, and problem-solving
- Social behavior and regulation
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive deterioration in memory, thinking, language, and behavior. It directly affects activities of daily living. While it is more common in individuals over the age of 65, it can also occur at younger ages.
Types of Dementia
- 1. Alzheimer's Disease: The most common cause of dementia (60–80%). The first symptom is typically short-term memory loss.
- 2. Vascular Dementia: Develops due to cerebrovascular diseases. Difficulties in planning and problem-solving are prominent.
- 3. Lewy Body Dementia: May be accompanied by visual hallucinations and fluctuations in attention.
- 4. Frontotemporal Dementia: Often seen at younger ages; changes in behavior and personality are prominent.
- 5. Dementia associated with Parkinson's and Huntington's Disease.
Symptoms of Dementia
- Short-term memory loss and word-finding difficulties (anomia)
- Deterioration in language and communication skills
- Impairment in judgment and decision-making
- Time-space confusion and personality changes
Difference from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): In mild cognitive impairment, independence in daily life is largely preserved, whereas in dementia, these skills are significantly affected and the condition is progressive.
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)
PPA is a neurological syndrome in which language skills deteriorate slowly and progressively. The most prominent sign is word-finding difficulty. For a diagnosis, the impairment must be primarily isolated to the language domain for at least two years.
The Role of the Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)
At the Istanbul Atlas University Speech and Language Therapy Unit, the goal is to maintain the individual's independence and quality of life at the highest possible level:
- Detailed cognitive-communication evaluation.
- Teaching communication-facilitating strategies and compensatory techniques.
- Implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods.
- Swallowing evaluation and monitoring for nutritional safety (dysphagia management).
- Family and caregiver education (organizing the communication environment).
Factors Helping to Reduce the Risk of Dementia
- Regular physical activity and a balanced diet
- Active social participation and mental activities (reading, puzzles, etc.)
- Quality sleep patterns
- Limiting smoking and alcohol consumption
Early diagnosis and professional support improve quality of life.
For appointments and detailed information: Istanbul Atlas University Speech and Language Therapy Unit