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Neurocognitive Disorders:

Neurocognitive disorders can generally be described as illnesses that contribute to impaired or reduced cognitive function. These disorders are mainly caused by physical changes that affect the brain and make it difficult for an individual to function effectively. Patients with neurocognitive disorders are usually examined through neuropsychological tests to identify and understand the neurocognitive deficit. These tests are followed by the adoption of effective measures to help in recovery and rehabilitation of the affected individual. Some of the most common neurocognitive disorders include dementia in the elderly, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury.

Dementia in the Elderly:

Dementia is a major neurocognitive disease among the elderly whose incidence increases with increase in age (Verghese et. al., 2003, p.2508). This condition has become increasingly prevalent in nearly every society to an extent that a considerable portion of elderly inpatients in general hospitals are elderly people suffering from it. While there are various preventive measures taken to contain the spread of the disease, the increase in aging population means that dementia will become more prevalent. The prevalence of dementia in the elderly has contributed to numerous studies and researches to identify effective preventive measures because of the seeming unavailability of an appropriate treatment.

In attempts to identify a suitable preventive measure, Verghese et al (2003), have conducted an analysis on leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly given the increase of dementia with increase in age (p.2508). These researchers recognize that the prevention of dementia among the elderly has become...

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..., particularly because of the frequency with which elderly people experience it. There is need to refocus research efforts on this significant public health issue to prevent its prevalence in the elderly and identify unique care needs to promote the best patient outcomes.

Conclusion:

Neurocognitive disorders are illnesses that are most likely to occur among older adults than younger ones mainly because of older age. While an increase in age plays a crucial factor in the occurrence of these diseases, they are usually associated with other factors depending on the specific disorder. Moreover, the diseases have varying impacts on the patient and require the development of effective protective measures to prevent their spread and effects in the aging population. In essence, significant research initiatives should be undertaken to address these public health issues.