COGNITIVE DISORDERSubtitle

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1In theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV-TR), which describes 250 disorders and their symptoms, cognitive disorders are classified under a psychological disorder in axis I.It is described as disorders with a significant impairment of cognition or memory that represents a marked deterioration from a previous level of function..FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROMESubtitle

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3Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of physical and mental defects that can develop in a fetus in association with high levels of alcohol consumption duringpregnancy.

Alcohol can disrupt fetal development at any stage during apregnancy including at the earliest stages and before a woman knows she is pregnant.

Research shows consuming four or more drinks per occasion, and regular heavy drinking put a fetus at the greatest risk for severe problems.

Drinking during pregnancy can cause brain damage, leading to a range of developmental, cognitive, and behavioral problems, which can appear at any time during childhood.

Symptoms

-Growth retardation-Characteristic facial features, such as:-Small eyes with drooping upper lids-Short, upturned nose-Flattened cheeks-Small jaw-Thin upper lip

Central nervous system problems,-Mental retardation-Hyperactivity-Delayed development of gross motor skills such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling and walking-Delayed development of fine motor skills such as grasping objects with the thumb and index finger, and transferring objects from one hand to the other-Impaired language development-Memory problems-Problems with learning-Seizures

Treatment

Although there is no cure for FAS, children who are diagnosed early -- preferably by preschool age -- have a better chance of overcoming the condition because from early on their education can be designed to maximize their potential.

The child is eligible for curriculum modifications, special education classes, supplemental classroom aids

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

-is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood.

-it is a behavioural disorder, not an illness or a sign of low intelligence. With understanding, care and medical treatment, a child who has ADHD can lead a normal life.

Children with ADHD have three main problems, being:

Inattention having difficulty concentrating, forgetting instructions, moving from one task to another without completing anything.Impulsivity talking over the top of others, having a short fuse, being accident prone.Overactivity constant restlessness.

Causes of ADHD

Contributing factors may include:Neurophysiology which includes differences in brain anatomy, electrical activity and metabolismGeneticsDrugs the childs mother used nicotine or cocaine during pregnancyLack of early attachment if a baby does not bond with their parent or caregiver, or has traumatic experiences related to the attachment, this can contribute to their inattention and hyperactivity

-No single test can diagnose ADHD. Assessment by a doctor or psychologist involves putting together lots of pieces of information to make a diagnosis.-A child with ADHD needs support and understanding from their family and teachers.-Medication, positive parenting strategies, school support and counselling can help most children with ADHD and their families.

Autism is a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.-it can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.Scientists arent certain about what causes ASD, but its likely that both genetics and environment play a role. Researchers have identified a number of genes associated with the disorder. Studies of people with ASD have found irregularities in several regions of the brain. Other studies suggest that people with ASD have abnormal levels of serotonin or other neurotransmitters in the brain.Delirium

it is characterized by disorientation which develops over a brief period and remits immediately once offending cause is removed.

CAUSE:

Old age, Pre existing brain damage, Past history of deliriumAlcohol /drug dependence, History of Head Injury

Drugs given if patient is agitated (most are):Small dose BENZODIAZEPINES (Lorazepam, Diazepam)ANTIPSYCHOTIC (Haloperidol)

Dementiacharacterized by impairment of intellectual functions, Impairment of memory and deterioration of personality with the course being progressive, stationary or reversible

Treatment of dementia symptoms may help slow or minimize the development of symptoms.

*Cholinesterase inhibitors. donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadyne) work by boosting levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment.

*Memantine. (Namenda) works by regulating the activity of glutamate. Glutamate is another chemical messenger involved in brain functions, such as learning and memory.

ALZHEIMERS DISEASE

is a neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. The total brain size shrinks with Alzheimer's - the tissue has progressively fewer nerve cells and connections.

Alzheimer's is thought to be caused by "plaques" between the dying cells in the brain .

Signs and symptoms Worsened ability to take in and remember new information, for example: Misplacing personal belongings Forgetting eventsGetting lost on a familiar route Impairments to reasoning, complex tasking, exercising judgment: Inability to manage finances Poor decision-making ability Inability to plan complex or sequential activities

Impaired speaking, reading and writing: Difficulty thinking of common words while speaking, hesitations

Changes in personality and behavior, for example: mood changes, including agitation; less interest, motivation or initiativeLoss of empathy Compulsive, obsessive behavior