Neurocognitive Disorders and Geriatric Mental Health

Neurocognitive disorders encompass conditions affecting cognitive function, including dementia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and strokes. Dementia, a significant public health concern, presents with cognitive decline, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most prevalent form. TBI, ranging from mild to severe, is a leading cause of disability and mortality globally. Strokes disrupt brain blood flow, leading to cognitive impairment and long-term disability. PMHNPs encounter a myriad of neurocognitive disorders, necessitating specialized care and management. Understanding the interplay between neurocognitive issues and mental health conditions is crucial, with anxiety and depression commonly co-occurring with Alzheimer’s disease. As the elderly population burgeons, PMHNPs must possess geriatric mental health expertise to address age-related mental health issues effectively. This chapter elucidates neurocognitive disorders such as delirium, dementia variants (Alzheimer’s, Lewy body, Pick’s disease), TBI, and geriatric mental health considerations, equipping PMHNPs with comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approaches.