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Neurocognitive disorders: Classification

In the DSM-5, Neurocognitive Disorders are a group of disorders in which the primary clinical deficit is in cognitive function, and that are acquired rather than developmental, that is, impaired cognition has not been present since birth or very early life, and thus represents a decline from a previously attained level of functioning. In DSM-IV, Neurocognitive Disorders (NCDs) were known as “Dementia, Delirium, Amnestic, and Other Cognitive Disorders.”

The Neurocognitive disorders in DSM-5 are:

1. Delirium

2. Major Neurocognitive Disorder, and

3. Mild Neurocognitive Disorder.

The Major and Mild NCDs are subtyped according to etiology:

1. NCD due to Alzheimer’s disease

2. Vascular NCD

3. NCD with Lewy bodies

4. NCD due to Parkinson’s disease

5. Frontotemporal NCD

6. NCD due to traumatic brain injury

7. NCD due to HIV infection

8. Substance/medication-induced NCD

9. NCD due to Huntington’s disease

10. NCD due to prion disease

11. NCD due to another medical condition

12. NCD due to multiple etiologies

13. Unspecified NCD


Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons, or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified health care professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.

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