Major Depressive Disorder

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 a major public health issue because of its prevalence in the society and the scarcity of a suitable prevention strategy. Based on their findings and conclusions, they concur with previous studies that identifying protective factors, especially lifestyle factors like leisure activities, is necessary to the development of effective interventions for dementia in the elderly.

After conducting a study on a group of patients aged between 75 and 85 years though clinical and neuropsychological evaluation, the researchers clearly demonstrate how the condition is linked to physical activity. From this study, involvement in leisure activities contributes to decreased risk of development of this neurocognitive disorder. However, the decrease in the risk of dementia is associated with the frequency of participation in these activities by the elderly. Therefore, the researchers conclude that increased participation in leisure activities is a major preventive measure that reduces the risk of dementia.

Parkinson's disease in the Elderly: The second most common neurocognitive disorder is Parkinson's disease, which is the only neurodegenerative disorder with effective symptomatic treatment. It is a neurcognitive disorder for the elderly that is common among older adults aged between 75 and 85 years. The disease tends to impact adults within this age group because of the limited functional reserve and pre-existing co-morbidities of these individuals. Since there is no cure for the underlying neurodegenerative basis for this disorder, the management of Parkinson's disease has become a topic of numerous researches.

Iansek (2004) conducted a study to examine the pharmacological management of this neurocognitive disorder in light of its various stages (p.229). The researcher begins the study with an evaluation of the progression of the disease from its onset to the advanced stage. He states that the management of Parkinson's disease needs to be holistic because of the multidimensional nature of the disease.

The holistic approach in managing the disease in the elderly include involving the patient and family, incorporating a multidisciplinary team, and dealing with clinical and rehabilitation issues in the process (Iansek, 2004, p.229). The diagnosis of a new patient with the disease requires education and support to understand the disease and impact on the patient's life. Notably, the diagnosis stage requires regular observation of the patient and numerous discussions with him/her and the family regarding specific needs and functional ability.

The researcher argues that there are therapeutic alternatives to optimize the pharmacological management of Parkinson's disease at all stages. Early onset of the disease is treated using levodopa and additional dopamine agonist for patients who continue experiencing dyskinesia. During mid-stage, patients should undergo close monitoring to optimize motor control while administering doses of levodopa. Traumatic Brain Injury in the Elderly: Traumatic brain injury is a major health issue among older adults since it accounts for over 80,000 emergency department visits on an annual basis by persons above 65 years.

The severity of this problem is evident in the fact that 75% of these visits usually end up in hospitalization (Thompson, McCormick & Kagan, 2006, p.1590). However, this neurocognitive disorder is still a neglected disease burden across the globe. As a result, three researchers conducted a study on the epidemiology, outcomes, and future implications of traumatic brain injury in older adults. Based on the findings of their study, the highest rates of hospitalization and death related to this disease occur among adults aged 75 or more.

The two major causes of this disorder are falls and motor vehicle accidents, which accounts for 51% and 9% respectively. The major risk factors for traumatic brain injury include male sex and non-white ethnicity. The researchers argue that the widespread neglect of the disease is attributed to the scarcity of information available about traumatic brain injury in older adults ((Thompson, McCormick & Kagan, 2006, p.1593). Consequently, the existing care of older patients with the disease is largely based on previous work conducted in younger patients. This contributes to the urgent need to study.